KKK flyers in Ohio and Kentucky spark community outrage
In the United States, within the states of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, residents encountered Ku Klux Klan flyers urging immigrants to "leave now" and "avoid deportation." According to Fox19, these flyers are aimed at intimidating immigrants by implying they could face deportation.
Bonnie J., a resident of Bellevue, Kentucky, shared her experience with Local 12: "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 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 confirmed that the flyers were found throughout 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, also noting the presence of the flyers 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 are the fulfillment of campaign promises 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 organization continues advocating for white supremacy in the USA. In the 1920s, it had up to 4 million members, and its symbol 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.
