In a deeply troubling development, an anonymous letter recently circulated in Lincoln County, Oregon, encouraging residents to track and report people of color, specifically targeting those believed to be undocumented immigrants. The hateful message, titled “brown round-up part 1,” instructed recipients to write down license plate numbers of vehicles driven by minorities and send that information to the Department of Homeland Security following the inauguration of President Donald Trump.
Local law enforcement officials swiftly denounced the letter, with Lincoln County Sheriff Curtis Landers stating, “This type of behavior is harmful, divisive, and inconsistent with the values we uphold as public servants and community members. Targeting individuals in this manner erodes trust and undermines the sense of safety and inclusion that we strive to maintain in Lincoln County.”
Unified Condemnation from Community Leaders
The racist letter sparked immediate outrage among elected officials and community leaders across Lincoln County. In addition to Sheriff Landers, the mayors of Lincoln City and Toledo, as well as Toledo’s city councilors, confirmed receiving the inflammatory message.
“There aren’t enough bad things to say about this kind of anonymous vigilantism that the writer is advocating.”
– Claire Hall, Lincoln County Commissioner
The unified response from local leadership sent a powerful message of solidarity against hate and discrimination. By publicly denouncing the letter and reaffirming their commitment to fostering an inclusive community, officials sought to reassure residents, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, that such bigotry would not be tolerated.
Sheriff Emphasizes Commitment to Diversity
In his statement, Sheriff Landers underscored the importance of diversity in strengthening communities and highlighted his office’s dedication to upholding Oregon law regarding immigration enforcement. The state has strict limitations on collecting or sharing information based on demographic characteristics or perceived immigration status.
“Our mission is to enhance public safety, reduce the fear and impact of crime, and improve the quality of life for all. Diversity strengthens our communities, and we take pride in growing and thriving alongside the people we serve.”
– Sheriff Curtis Landers, Lincoln County
By emphasizing the value of diversity and the sheriff’s office’s commitment to serving all residents equally, Landers sought to counter the divisive rhetoric of the anonymous letter and reaffirm the importance of building trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Concerns Amidst Looming Immigration Crackdown
The incident in Lincoln County comes as immigrant rights groups across the nation are bracing for an unprecedented crackdown on undocumented immigrants under the incoming Trump administration. The president-elect has vowed to carry out “the largest deportation operation in American history,” with plans to target up to 3 million individuals for removal.
Trump’s designated “border czar,” Tom Homan, recently projected the need for at least 100,000 beds in immigration detention centers to accommodate the anticipated surge in arrests. The proposed border security crackdown has raised alarm among advocates, who fear it will tear families apart and further marginalize immigrant communities.
In this climate of heightened anxiety and uncertainty, the anonymous letter in Lincoln County serves as a chilling reminder of the xenophobia and racism that continue to plague our society. As communities grapple with the potential impact of the incoming administration’s hardline immigration policies, it is more critical than ever for local leaders to take a strong, unequivocal stance against hate and discrimination.
A Call for Unity and Compassion
The swift and united response from officials in Lincoln County offers a glimmer of hope amidst the troubling rhetoric surrounding immigration and race relations in the United States. By condemning the anonymous letter and reaffirming their commitment to diversity and inclusion, these leaders have set an example for communities nationwide.
As Sheriff Landers urged in his statement, it is imperative that we approach such divisive messages with compassion and strive to “do the right thing.” Only by standing together, rejecting bigotry, and actively working to build understanding and trust can we hope to create a society that truly values and respects all of its members, regardless of their background or immigration status.
