The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a statement revealing that offensive text messages are now being sent to people in the Hispanic and LGBTQIA+ communities in addition to Black individuals across the United States.
According to the FBI, these text messages and emails are specifically targeting minority communities, with some recipients reporting alarming messages such as being selected for deportation or instructed to report to a re-education camp.
Last week, Black individuals began receiving racist text messages containing variations of the message that they were 'selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation.'
While the FBI did not disclose further details about the content of these messages or their source, they emphasized that they are taking these incidents seriously. The FBI stated that they have not received reports of violent acts resulting from these offensive messages but are actively evaluating all reported incidents and collaborating with the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.
The FBI is also working closely with law enforcement partners, as well as engaging with community leaders, academia, and faith-based organizations to address these concerning developments.