Austin ISD superintendent responds to racist texts targeting local students

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin ISD Superintendent Matias Segura spoke out against the recent surge of racist text messages being sent to students across the Austin area.

"What they're saying, are pretty egregious and gross," Segura said.

While the FBI is already involved in investigating the ongoing situation, Segura said that these texts are not something AISD would ever support and their job to protect students remains their top priority.

"We've sent messaging out to our families and on our website around the support that we're giving to students as well additional resources," Segura said.

The response by Superintendent Segura came after Sharon Herring came forward about a text message her 13-year-old granddaughter received that said, “You have been selected to become a slave at your nearest plantation. Please be ready by 12 a.m. with all your necessary belongings. You will be picked up in a white van with a Trump representative from your area.“

AISD teacher Shaun Hinton asked his students if they received strange messages. One student came forward about having received a text he would be deported and was getting "picked up in a brown van."

The widespread fears span beyond the students and their families in Austin as these racist messages are being received all around the U.S. and warning parents to beware of what's popping up on their children's cellphones.

According to a post on social media, the FBI said it was "in contact with the Justice Department and other federal authorities on the matter."

If you or someone you know is physically threatened please report the incident to Austin Police Department (APD) or your local law enforcement.