'It’s wrong and it’s un-American': Kenosha leaders condemn anti-immigrant posters, urge residents to report incidents

KENOSHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Community and faith leaders gathered Wednesday, June 3, to denounce anti-immigrant hate posters that recently appeared across Kenosha and to reaffirm their support for the city's immigrant community.

The news conference came after residents reported finding posters in multiple locations throughout the city. Leaders said similar posters have also been found in Waukesha and Chicago.

The posters feature a green alien drawn over images that appear to have been used for target practice, with the word "MAGA" printed below.

Forward Latino National President Darryl Morin called the messaging dangerous and unacceptable.

“This messaging, these posters is unacceptable. It’s wrong and it’s un-American,” he said.

Forward Latino said it received numerous calls from residents reporting the posters. One of those calls came from Angela, a Kenosha resident who discovered one while taking her children to school.

“I stopped the truck, got out and ripped it off as fast as I could because I was at a green light,” she said. “I was so angry I didn’t know what to do.”

Morin said the posters appear intended to intimidate immigrants and spread fear within the community.

“The individual who did this is clearly disturbed and they’re trying to send the message that by shooting or killing an undocumented immigrant you will make America great again,” he said.

Community leaders stressed that the posters do not reflect the values of Kenosha.

“I was very disturbed this a community I grew up in that we love and we don’t tolerate the kind of hate in Kenosha,” said Yolanda Santos Adams, Kenosha advocacy and service coordinator for Forward Latino.

Morin also warned that hateful rhetoric can contribute to violence and discrimination.

“Ninety-seven percent of all hate crimes victims we assist across the country are American citizens,” he said. “What do these individuals have in common? They have prominent Hispanic features.”

Leaders encouraged residents to report any future incidents to local authorities.

“Reporting these incidents not only helps the victims but ensures they receive the support they need and perpetrators are held accountable,” Morin said.

City leaders are asking anyone who sees one of the posters to report it to the Kenosha mayor’s office. The mayor’s office is working with the police chief to identify the person responsible.