Death threats to Hispanics sound the depths of hatred and ignorance

By Bud Kennedy

bud@star-telegram.com

Garland police don't know why nine Hispanic families received death threats last month.

But they do know that the letters were sent from Fort Worth.

At the height of the Christmas-card mailing season, nine homes in one central-city neighborhood received the same scary note.

Beneath a faked Texas state seal, it read: "This is a notice. All Latino's will have to leave the state of Texas."

The letter went on to warn "Latino's" to "get OUT now" -- or depart "in a wood box."

The victims are Texans and Americans, police say. They have nothing in common besides homes in an older neighborhood, Star Crest Estates.

Police are asking for help finding the author.

"This was really ugly," spokesman Joe Harn said.

"We had to reassure a lot of people this was not real."

If identified, the author might face a misdemeanor criminal harassment charge with added punishment as a hate crime, Harn said.

Six residents reported receiving letters Dec. 2-3, Harn said. Police canvassed the neighborhood and found three more, he said.

The letters are postmarked Dec. 1. Police have also asked the FBI and postal authorities for help, Harn said.

The Garland City Council adopted a resolution Dec. 13 condemning the threats. Councilwoman Laura Perkins Cox, a Fort Worth native, called the letters "profane, hateful and ignorant."

Police have not released the entire letter, but one victim shared a portion with several TV reporters.

"We will no longer allow you to live here, work here or have your kids in our schools," it read.

The letter also listed vivid ways to capture, kill or evict Hispanics.

"You have no right to be in Texas or America," it said.

KUVN/Channel 23, the Spanish-language station and No. 1 local newscast, interviewed the victim without showing her face.

She seemed hurt and confused.

In Spanish, she said she belongs in the United States.

"I pay taxes," she said.

"It's my land, too."

She showed the envelope and postmark reading in smudged black letters, "Fort Worth TX."

Over the Liberty Bell on the stamp was the message "Happy Holidays."

Bud Kennedy's column appears Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 817-390-7538

Twitter: @budkennedy

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