Law enforcement officials in Lincoln County, Oregon, condemned an anonymous letter encouraging residents to track down and report “brown people” in the Pacific Coast region, especially those they believe are undocumented.
According to a report in the New York Times, the letter, titled Brown Roundup Part 1, was designed to identify people who may not have permanent legal status, including the license plate numbers of cars driven by people of color. The recipient was instructed to write down the plate number. It directed readers to send the information to the Department of Homeland Security after President Donald Trump takes office.
“This type of conduct is harmful, divisive, and inconsistent with the values we stand for as public servants and community members,” Curtis Landers said in a statement about the letter. “Targeting individuals in this way erodes trust and undermines the sense of safety and inclusivity that we strive to maintain in Lincoln County.”
The sheriff urged local residents to “do the right thing” and respond with compassion to such messages, strongly advising them not to participate in the activities outlined in the letter.
Mr. Landers emphasized his office’s commitment to diversity, equity, and the Oregon immigration enforcement law that prohibits the collection or sharing of information based on demographics or perceived immigration status.
“Our mission is to enhance public safety, reduce the fear and impact of crime, and improve the quality of life for all people,” the sheriff said. “Diversity strengthens our community and we take pride in growing and thriving alongside the people we serve.”
According to news station KATU 2, Lincoln Mayor Susan Wohlke said she also received the letter. So did Toledo’s mayor and Toledo City Council members.
Landers said she received it in her personal mailbox last week. “I think it has something to do with President Trump taking office in January, because the letter basically referred to a large-scale immigration sweep,” he told the news station.
Lincoln County Commissioner Claire Hall told the publication she was “appalled” by the content of the communication.
“There’s not much to say bad about this kind of anonymous vigilantism that the writers are advocating,” Hall said.
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The letter comes as President Trump vows an unprecedented crackdown on illegal immigration, including the “largest deportation operation in American history.”
President Trump’s “border czar” Tom Homan said last week that he expected at least 100,000 beds would be needed in immigration detention centers.
“Let me tell you, we need at least 100,000 beds because we have a large population to search… 700,000 criminals alone,” Homan told CNN. Homan said the deportation plan will require support from government officials, including the Department of Defense.
“The landing team is just beginning to work with agencies and departments, and we will be gathering a lot of information in the coming weeks that will help us with the planning process,” Homan said.
