A wave of offensive text messages and emails targeting Hispanic and L.G.B.T.Q. individuals has been reported in recent days, according to the F.B.I. This surge follows a series of racist texts sent to Black individuals shortly after the presidential election.
The F.B.I. stated that some recipients of the recent messages were informed they had been selected for deportation, while others were directed to report to a so-called “re-education camp” for L.G.B.T.Q. people. This appears to reference coercive practices aimed at altering a person's sexual orientation or gender identity, such as conversion therapy.
These messages began circulating shortly after the presidential race was called for Donald J. Trump on Election Day. Reports indicated that Black individuals in over a dozen states received texts addressing them by name, claiming they had been chosen to “pick cotton” and demanding they report for slavery. Some messages even referenced Mr. Trump, with some purporting to be from his administration; however, a campaign spokesman denied any connection.
In addition, misogynistic posts on social media surged following the election, with phrases like “your body, my choice” and “get back to the kitchen” becoming prevalent.
Diana Brier, a 41-year-old lesbian, expressed shock after receiving one of the texts aimed at L.G.B.T.Q. individuals. The message she received referenced an executive order and instructed her to check in for transport to an undisclosed location for an “LGB re-education camp,” mentioning Mr. Trump and the date of his inauguration. Brier noted that the specificity of the message was unsettling and raised concerns among her friends about the potential implications for L.G.B.T.Q. individuals under the new administration.
The F.B.I. has not provided details on the extent of the recent messages or how the senders obtained recipients’ information. It remains unclear whether these messages originated from the same source as those targeting Black individuals.
Federal authorities are currently investigating the situation. The F.B.I. has reported no violent acts related to these messages and stated that further information will be released as it becomes available.
Roman Palomares, national president of the League of United Latin American Citizens, condemned the messages, describing them as fueling fear within the Latino community regarding potential mass deportations, a concern heightened by Mr. Trump’s campaign promises of extensive deportation efforts.
Palomares characterized the messages as “scare tactics,” noting that while they may lack credibility, they can still instill fear in individuals.
Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, emphasized that hateful rhetoric could have serious consequences but affirmed that “hate will not silence us.”