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Fake 'Mass Deportation Notice' investigation
Residents of Milwaukee's south side said packages targeting immigrants with an intimidating, racist message were found outside homes this week.
MILWAUKEE - Residents of Milwaukee's south side said they are shaken up after receiving suspicious packages with an intimidating, racist message this week.
Flyers targeting immigrants were packed into sandwich bags. The message inside said "Mass Deportation Notice," warned the recipients that "your presence here is a crime" and said to leave before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on Jan. 20.
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"Who would do that? Who has time?" said Nancy Nava, who found a package in front of her home on Wednesday.
"We thought it was something personal at first because we were like, oh, it’s just us, the Mexicans around here, like us the Hispanics," she added. "Then when we saw it was other people around, we were like – they're doing it at every house."
"Mass Deportation Notice" targets residents on Milwaukee's south side
The Milwaukee Police Department has been notified about the flyers and said an investigation is ongoing. An "unknown substance" in the bags was tested and determined "not to be a threat."
Darrly Morin with Forward Latino said anyone – regardless of their legal status – is encouraged to report any act of hate.
"Sadly, at Forward Latino, we continue to receive calls on a basis of acts of hate," he said. "Typically, more times than not, against United States citizens that have prominent Hispanic features that are targeted."
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U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Milwaukee) condemned the flyers, saying in part: "I am disgusted to see my constituents targeted using racist, xenophobic flyers." The congresswoman said she will work with law enforcement to learn who is making and placing the packages.
"I hope they actually catch that person, and I hope they actually take it into the hands and do something about it," said Nava.
FOX6 News reached out to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In a statement, a spokesperson said the "packages did not come from ICE and that is not how we operate."
"Mass Deportation Notice" targets residents on Milwaukee's south side
Official statements
Erin Bultje, U.S. Department of Homeland Security deputy communications chief
"These packages did not come from ICE, and this is not how we operate. ICE conducts targeted operations focused on keeping communities safe and secure, we do not send boxes indiscriminately directing recipients to report for deportation. Anyone feeling threatened by this should contact local law enforcement."
U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Milwaukee)
"I am disgusted to see my constituents targeted using racist, xenophobic flyers. These hateful intimidation tactics intentionally targeted a heavily Latino and Asian community, and I condemn these efforts to stir fear, spread hate, and dictate who belongs in this country. Donald Trump’s election and campaign rhetoric has given hate a license to run rampant. As Milwaukee’s Congresswoman, I will always work to protect my constituents and will work with law enforcement to learn the source of these flyers."
Milwaukee County District 14 Supervisor Caroline Gómez-Tom, County Executive David Crowley, Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson, 1st Vice Chair Steven Shea, 2nd Vice Chair Priscilla E. Coggs-Jones, Register of Deeds Israel "Issy" Ramón, County Clerk George Christenson, Treasurer David Cullen, Clerk of Circuit Courts Anna Maria Hodges, alongside Supervisors Jack Eckblad, Juan Miguel Martinez, Steve F. Taylor, Sky Z. Capriolo, Felesia A. Martin, Shawn Rolland, Sheldon A. Wasserman, Anne O’Connor, Patti Logsdon, Sequanna Taylor, Kathleen Vincent and Justin Bielinski
"This week, residents of Milwaukee’s South Side reported finding flyers filled with hateful anti-immigration rhetoric. These materials, falsely spreading alarming information about mass deportations and laced with racially charged and divisive language, are deeply disturbing and unacceptable. The Milwaukee Police Department and the FBI have been notified, and an investigation is ongoing.
"Milwaukee County remains committed to inclusivity and creating a community where everyone feels safe and valued, regardless of their background or immigration status. These cowardly attempts to intimidate and sow division have no place here and will not be tolerated.
"We stand in solidarity with Milwaukee’s immigrant and diverse communities. Acts like these are a direct affront to the values that make our county strong. We encourage anyone with information about the origins of these flyers to contact law enforcement and aid in their investigation. Together, we will ensure Milwaukee County remains a welcoming place for all its residents."
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