LINCOLN CITY, Ore. — A deeply disturbing trend has emerged on the Oregon coast, where residents have received unsettling letters instructing them to report their neighbors based on their appearance. Titled "The Brown Roundup, Part 1," this anonymous mailing calls for the vigilant tracking of so-called "brown people" and their reported deportation. The letter claims the United States is gearing up for the "largest roundup of brown illegals in our history," raising alarm among community leaders across Lincoln County.
The letter, which has drawn widespread condemnation from local officials, urges individuals to document license plate numbers of those believed to be undocumented migrants. According to the Washington Post, it encourages residents to engage in surveillance tactics such as parking at schools or churches to note down the details of vehicles driven by people of color.
Kurtis Landers, Sheriff of Lincoln County, voiced his concern about the letter, saying, "I actually received a copy of the letter... and didn’t know how wide it was being circulated." He reported the matter to the FBI, emphasizing the divisive nature of the communications and their harmful effects on community cohesion.
"Attempts to intimidate our communities and their leaders through racist letter writing campaigns have no place in Oregon," stated Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum. Such sentiments reflect the backlash against the growing atmosphere of hostility toward immigrants, particularly amid the political climate surrounding the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump, who has pledged to prioritize aggressive deportation efforts.
The letter also raises concerns of racial profiling, with Franki Trujillo-Dalbey, a retired professor specializing in urban studies, commenting, "There’s no concern for whether people are here legally or illegally. It’s all based on skin color." This irrational premise fuels anxiety among immigrant communities who already navigate the balance of their rights and safety.
Responses from elected officials highlight the urgency of addressing the issue. Claire Hall, Lincoln County commissioner, expressed her outrage, stating, "I’m appalled. I’m angry. There aren’t enough bad things to say about this kind of anonymous vigilantism..." Her commitment to denouncing such practices emphasizes the necessity for community solidarity against discrimination and fear-based narratives.
Correspondence from local leaders shows widespread concern. If left unchecked, actions inspired by these letters might lead to harmful repercussions against individuals perceived as immigrants. Sheriff Landers reaffirmed his office's commitment to following Oregon's sanctuary state law, which limits local law enforcement's cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
The sanctuary law, established in 1987, aims to protect immigrants from local law enforcement actions related to their immigration status. It has underlined Oregon's commitment to be a safe haven for immigrants and has garnered support from communities spanning the state.
The continued presence of such divisive tactics demonstrates the urgent need for community members to stand together, supporting the ideals of compassion and acceptance. Oregon’s historical stance as the first sanctuary state places it at the forefront of the fight against discrimination, especially as advocacy groups ramp up know-your-rights campaigns for immigrants nationwide.
Leaders remind community members of their responsibility to support their neighbors and resist participation in actions motivated by fear and prejudice. They encourage kindness and compassion, maintaining their commitment to the democratic values held by communities across Oregon.
This incident is not just about one troubling letter; it reflects broader concerns about immigration policy and communal identity as the nation gears up for significant governmental changes. Policymakers, civic leaders, and citizens must unite to confront hatred and protect the dignity of all individuals, regardless of their background.
