The first and only vice-presidential debate of the 2024 election, generally considered to have been civil, saw a heated exchange that led to the microphones of both Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Ohio Sen. JD Vance being silenced for a brief time.

Both contenders shook hands after taking the stage at CBS Studios Tuesday evening and the moderators, Norah O'Donnell and Margaret Brennan, outlined the debate rules.

"CBS News reserves the right to mute the candidates' microphones to ensure order and decorum," O'Donnell stated at the beginning of the debate.

After responding to a query about Donald Trump's suggestion to implement widespread deportation of migrants, including Haitian individuals in Springfield, Ohio, whom he falsely claimed were in the country unlawfully, Walz stated, "It becomes a talking point. And when it becomes a talking point like this, we dehumanize and villainize other human beings."

"In Springfield, they're eating the dogs. The newcomers are eating the cats, they're eating, they're eating the pets of the residents," Trump asserted.

Vance did not try to retract or apologize for his unfounded claims about Haitian migrants in Springfield. He continued to assert that they were in the U.S. illegally -- which is not true.

Before shifting the debate to the economy, O'Donnell pointed out that Springfield, Ohio, has a large population of Haitian immigrants who are legally residing in the country.

"To clarify for our viewers, Springfield, Ohio, has a significant number of Haitian migrants who have legal status," Brennan clarified.

Vance spoke over the moderators about an asylum application, with Walz interjecting to correct Vance's statements, which resulted in both candidates' mics being muted.

"Gentlemen, your mics are off, so the audience can't hear you. We have a lot to cover," O'Donnell said to the vice presidential contenders.