Stanislaus sheriff and county leaders denounce hateful graffiti targeting immigrants
The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office said it won’t tolerate hateful graffiti and is investigating incidents, following criticism this week that county authorities had ignored complaints about violent messages targeting undocumented immigrants.
“We want to make it clear that these actions will not be tolerated,” Sheriff Jeff Dirkse said in a statement Wednesday evening. “Racial hatred, bigotry, and violence have no place in Stanislaus County. Our office is working closely with community members and community leaders to investigate these incidents thoroughly. Those responsible will be held accountable.”
County leadership also released a statement denouncing threats, racism and hate speech.
The incidents included a disturbing sign in the Parklawn neighborhood south of Modesto reading “kill wetbacks.” The same violent language was written on a crude sign and index cards left under vehicle wiper blades in Ceres. The sheriff’s statement said hateful graffiti with racial slurs was also found in the community of Grayson.
People speaking at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting said the handmade sign on a fence at Parklawn had remained in place for months. It was first reported to county officials at a South Modesto Municipal Advisory Council meeting in March. The same complaint was received at meetings in July and November.
County Chief Executive Officer Jody Hayes told supervisors Tuesday he was sorting out why the complaints were not addressed in a timely manner. County residents attending municipal advisory council meetings, or the council members, routinely tell county staff members and law enforcement about eyesores, faulty street lights, crime and other problems that need to be corrected.
Dirkse’s statement stressed the department is investigating and residents are encouraged to report any type of graffiti associated with hate speech or racial slurs. “We stand in solidarity with all of our residents, regardless of race, religion or background,” Dirkse stated. “This incident does not define our community, and we will continue to foster an environment of acceptance, respect and unity.”
A California statute, formerly known as the terrorist threat law, makes criminal threats of harm illegal. A person violating the law could be charged with a misdemeanor with penalties of a year in jail and $1,000 fine. A felony conviction carries up to a three-year prison sentence and $10,000 fine, according to legal sites.
Dirkse’s statement suggested that waiting to report incidents at community meetings was not the most effective way of getting results.
Thursday morning, the county leadership released a statement, saying it “strongly denounces all forms of threats, violence, racism and hate speech.” Such actions, the statement said, have no place in the community and are in opposition to the county’s values.
“Stanislaus County is committed to supporting a safe community and affirms that each person matters — a core value adopted by the Board of Supervisors and a guiding principle in everything we do. Every individual in our community, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or background, deserves to live without fear of discrimination, hatred or harm,” the statement read.
People can report hateful graffiti by calling the Sheriff’s Office dispatch nonemergency line at 209-552-2468. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call Stanislaus County Area Crime Stoppers at 866-602-7463.
This story was originally published December 5, 2024 at 7:34 AM.
