UMVA has learned that former NFL kicker turned Arizona congressional hopeful Jay Feely has ignited a firestorm with his shocking claims about Haitian immigrants allegedly feasting on pets and swans in Ohio.
Feely, who boasts a past endorsement from former President Trump despite a history of bitter criticism toward the former leader, turned the controversy into a personal crusade, painting his rival, former state Rep. Joseph Chaplik, as a racist for questioning the influx of Haitian refugees.
In a heated exchange, Feely flaunted his role in bringing two Haitian men to the United States, accusing Chaplik of launching a “racial attack” on his newly claimed “family.” Chaplik fired back, accusing Feely of masquerading as a Democrat and exploiting the race card to deflect scrutiny.
Video clips released by Chaplik show Feely openly admitting his support for amnesty and his collaboration with NGOs to transport Haitian migrants, while dodging any promise to extend their Temporary Protected Status once in Congress.
Undeterred, Feely sought out far‑left Arizona 12 News for an interview, doubling down on his remarks and condemning Trump’s 2024 comment that Haitian newcomers were “eating the pets” in Ohio.
During the interview, Feely described “interesting conversations” with his Haitian “family,” insisting that in Haiti, people “will eat whatever they can find—dogs, cats, anything—when there is no food.” He suggested that a newcomer might even eye a swan as a “good meal” if hunger struck.
Feely positioned himself as a voice of compassion, claiming he could discuss values without being “derogatory,” while simultaneously defending the alleged behavior and criticizing Trump’s earlier remarks as “derogatory.”
Chaplik responded with fury, accusing Feely of mimicking Democratic tactics—ignoring constituents, insulting the President, and spreading lies about a candidate with a proven conservative record.
The clash has left voters in Arizona’s CD‑1 district divided, with Feely’s controversial statements and past ties to the Clinton family and former President Obama now under intense scrutiny.
