Kentucky authorities are investigating a series of racist flyers distributed across the state on Inauguration Day, allegedly by the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), urging immigrants to “leave now.” The KKK, one of the most notorious white supremacist hate groups in the United States, has a long history of promoting racial violence and intolerance. The flyers found in several Kentucky cities show a disturbing cartoon depicting Uncle Sam kicking a family of immigrants. The image includes a message stating, “We need your help. Monitor and track all immigrants. Report them all.”
The flyers, which included a Kentucky-area phone number and an invitation to “join us,” appeared on January 20, the day Donald Trump assumed office. Trump’s administration had previously made inflammatory comments regarding immigrants, promising the largest deportation program in U.S. history. The distribution of such material in Kentucky on this historic day highlights ongoing tensions surrounding immigration and the treatment of minority groups in the country.
Local law enforcement in Kentucky, including authorities from Ludlow and Fort Wright, have confirmed that they are investigating the situation and pursuing potential criminal charges. The Ludlow Police Department issued a statement condemning the flyers, calling them “disturbing and disgusting,” and encouraged anyone who feels harassed or threatened to report the incident. The Fort Wright mayor, Dave Hatter, also expressed outrage, declaring that such hateful actions would not be tolerated in their community. Authorities have stressed the importance of condemning hate speech and urged local residents to remain vigilant against such incidents.
The phone number listed on the flyers was reportedly out of service by the following day, though the distribution of similar flyers has been reported in other states, such as Indiana, where similar racist propaganda was seen in November 2024. Police Chief Jon McClain of Bellevue, Kentucky, commented on the alarm caused by the flyers, stating that it was the first time he had encountered such an event in his community. He noted that the flyers’ release on Inauguration Day could not be seen as a coincidence, further highlighting the divisive rhetoric surrounding Trump’s presidency.
The incident has raised concerns about the continued presence of hate groups and the challenges faced by immigrants in certain parts of the U.S. In the wake of this troubling event, the importance of community solidarity and vigilance remains clear. As law enforcement works to address this issue, it is crucial that the public remains committed to promoting tolerance and rejecting hate-driven actions.
For additional information on combating hate crimes and supporting immigrant communities, organizations like Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) provide resources and advocacy.
