Public Urged To Report Harassing Emails and Texts to FBI, Law Enforcement
The FBI is investigating reports of offensive and threatening text messages targeting high school students, as well as members of Latino and LGBTQIA+ communities. Some recipients have reported messages falsely claiming they have been selected for deportation or instructed to report to a re-education camp. Similar communications have also been received via email, authorities said.
While no violent acts have been linked to the messages, the FBI is working with the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division to evaluate incidents. The agency is also collaborating with law enforcement partners, community leaders, and organizations in academia and faith sectors to address the issue.
“We take these reports seriously and are committed to investigating these troubling communications,” the FBI said in a statement. GLAAD notes “Re-education camps” may allude to the discredited and dangerous practice of so-called “conversion therapy” which is now banned in at least 22 states and 115 municipalities.”
The agency encourages anyone receiving messages resembling these to report details by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submitting information online at tips.fbi.gov.As a general reminder, the FBI urges the public to remain vigilant and report any threats of violence or suspicious activity to local law enforcement, their nearest FBI office, or https://www.fbi.gov/tips.
