KKK flyers spark fear in Ohio Valley communities
In the United States, in the states of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, residents have come across Ku Klux Klan flyers urging immigrants to "leave now" and "avoid deportation." According to Fox19, these flyers aim to intimidate immigrants, suggesting they risk deportation if they remain.
Bonnie J., a resident of Bellevue, Kentucky, told Local 12 about her discovery: "I found it this morning when I came over, and it was literally lying next to my car," she recounts. The flyer contained a call to leave the country and provided contact information for local branches of the Ku Klux Klan. "It’s very scary to see something like that," she added.
The police in Bellevue have confirmed that the flyers were found in various parts of the city.
"We are aware that racist flyers have been located in yards and other areas of the city. As disgusting as they are, currently the only criminal violation is littering and illegal posting of signage. Pictures of the flyers have been sent to the Federal Bureau of Investigation so they are aware of the situation," says the Bellevue Police Department.
The police in Ludlow issued a similar statement, noting the flyers' appearance in their area. "We are aware and have already taken one report for this disturbing and disgusting propaganda that is being passed around our community," they stated in the release.
Political context
The appearance of the flyers coincided with an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation against immigrants deemed a "public threat." These actions fulfil campaign promises made by Donald Trump, who pledged to remove thousands of immigrants from the country.
The Ku Klux Klan, founded in 1865, has long sought to "purify" society of races other than white. Although currently less influential, the organisation continues to fight for white supremacy in the USA. In the 1920s, it had up to four million members, and its symbols became white robes and burning crosses. In 2016, "The Crusader," a newspaper associated with the KKK, praised Donald Trump's views, particularly those on immigration.
