LGBTQ+s receiving ‘report to re-education camp’ texts in wake of Trump victory

In a troubling turn of events following Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election, members of the LGBTQ+ community have reported receiving threatening text messages, prompting an investigation by the FBI. The messages, which appear to reference a proposed “re-education camp,” are believed to allude to conversion therapy, sparking fear among recipients about the potential erosion of civil rights under the anticipated policies of the Trump administration.

Diana Brier, a 41-year-old lesbian from New York, shared her experience with The New York Times. Brier received a text that mentioned an executive order requiring her to check in for transportation to a supposed “LGB re-education camp.” This message included references to Trump and the date of his inauguration, suggesting a sinister connection to current political events. Brier expressed her unease about the implications of such messages, highlighting a pervasive sense of fear within the queer community regarding their safety and civil liberties in a politically charged environment.

“The timing is not a coincidence,” Brier noted, citing heightened anxiety among her peers concerning potential governmental actions that could threaten LGBTQ+ rights. Her apprehension is shared by many in the community who are digesting the implications of a return to conservative policies that historically have targeted them.

In addition to messages threatening LGBTQ+ individuals, the FBI reported a broader pattern of distressing texts aimed at underrepresented communities. Latino recipients have also received texts informing them of their selection for deportation. Compounding these issues, messages targeting African American and Black communities instructed recipients to report to plantation locations for forced labour under the guise of being chosen to “pick cotton.”

While some messages have cited the Trump administration directly, a spokesperson for the Trump campaign, Karoline Leavitt, denied any connection to the disturbing texts or their contents.

Reports indicate that the offensive messages have expanded their reach, now also targeting high school students. Many of these texts and emails are notably personalised, even addressing recipients by name, raising questions about how such sensitive information was acquired. The FBI continues to investigate potential data breaches or other nefarious methods behind this alarming phenomenon.

The FBI has stated that, to date, no violent incidents have been directly linked to these messages, but the agency is closely monitoring the situation. They are collaborating with the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and sharing findings with law enforcement agencies, community groups, and leaders across diverse sectors, including academia and faith-based organisations.

In light of these developments, the FBI is encouraging individuals who receive any of the threatening texts or emails to report them via the appropriate channels, ensuring that such offensive communications are documented for future investigation. Citizens can report these incidents by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submitting a report online through tips.fbi.gov, as authorities seek to address and understand the scale and implications of this alarming outreach.

Source: Noah Wire Services