WASHINGTON, D.C. — The FBI is currently investigating a series of offensive and racist text messages sent to African American and Black communities across the country.
The agency is in contact with the Justice Department and other federal authorities regarding the matter. The content of these messages varies, but many recipients report being told they have been selected to pick cotton on a plantation.
The scope of these messages has now expanded to include high school students, as well as members of the Hispanic and LGBTQIA+ communities.
Some recipients have reported being told they were selected for deportation or to report to a re-education camp. Additionally, similar messages have been received via email.
While there have been no reports of violent acts resulting from these messages, the FBI is evaluating all reported incidents and working closely with the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.
The agency is also sharing information with law enforcement partners, community leaders, academia, and faith leaders.
The FBI encourages anyone who receives messages consistent with these descriptions to report the details by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submitting a report online at tips.fbi.gov.
As always, the public is urged to remain vigilant and report any threats of violence or suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately.
Reports can be made to local FBI offices or through the tips.fbi.gov website.
