Authorities in Oregon have expressed alarm at a racist letter circulating in a number of cities which requires residents to “round-up brown illegals.”

The letters, titled “the brown round-up” urge individuals in Lincoln County to put in writing down the license plate numbers of individuals they consider may very well be undocumented immigrants.

“Begin figuring out these people who you observed are right here in our nation on an unlawful foundation,” the letter mentioned.

“Sit in your church’s car parking zone and write down the license plates of the brown people.”

The letters have appeared throughout the county, with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Workplace condemning them as divisive.

Sheriff Curtis Landers mentioned that he contacted the FBI after receiving one of many letters in his mailbox.

“It’s simply inflicting a variety of hurt in the neighborhood, considerations, we don’t need individuals trying over their shoulder, is somebody writing down their license plate for no matter motive,” he informed KPTV.

Oregon Legal professional Common Ellen Rosenblum mentioned the group would “proceed to face collectively in opposition to those that search to divide us.”

“Makes an attempt to intimidate our communities and their leaders by way of racist letter writing campaigns has no place in Oregon,” she mentioned.

The FBI mentioned Friday it was conscious of the mailings. In a press release, it inspired group members who really feel bodily threatened to report their considerations to authorities.

The sheriff’s workplace mentioned it was dedicated to upholding Oregon’s sanctuary regulation, which prohibits native police most often from inquiring about a person’s immigration or citizenship standing and sharing that info with federal authorities.

“We strongly advise in opposition to partaking in actions reminiscent of these outlined on this letter, together with gathering or sharing details about people primarily based on their demographic or perceived immigration standing,” the sheriff’s workplace mentioned.

The mayor and metropolis councilors of the small city of Toledo and the mayor of Lincoln Metropolis additionally acquired copies within the mail, KGW reported.

Oregon grew to become the primary sanctuary state in 1987.