Hateful graffiti in Central Islip is another harmful attack on immigrants

As a lifelong resident of Brentwood and the first Latino deputy speaker in the history of the New York State Assembly, I am outraged by the recent hateful attack on our immigrant community in Central Islip. The appearance of words encouraging violence against migrants, in bright yellow spray paint on a major roadway in Central Islip, evokes painful memories of an era of segregation and bigotry on Long Island that we had hoped ended decades ago.

Sadly, however, we must acknowledge that this incident was part of a yearslong pattern of divisive, mean-spirited rhetoric that targets immigrants and other populations deemed worthy of scorn and intimidation. Sadly, many Long Islanders accept such behavior as a rite of passage, as opposed to a clear violation of the ideals at the core of our nation’s founding.

Acts like this reveal a stream of individuals seeking to promote fear in the minds of their fellow citizens. To what end? If we can put ourselves in the shoes of this targeted group and imagine their gut-wrenching reaction to such obscene behavior, then we must hope and even demand that our friends, neighbors, law enforcement, and political and societal leaders loudly and persistently condemn it. Think about the reactions of children, the elderly, and other vulnerable individuals to such threats to their very existence. We must respond with zero tolerance and demand that perpetrators be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

It would serve all of us well to remember the significant contributions that immigrants make to our communities. They pay taxes, work in our hospitals, serve food to our families, provide care for our young children, and manicure our lawns. They do not simply “mow Hispanic lawns,” but, rather, tend to the lawns of thousands of Long Islanders, including some who propagate anti-immigrant rhetoric, providing more evidence of their hypocrisy and racism.

Incidents like the recent one in Central Islip cannot be accepted in our diverse and inclusive community. Today, and moving forward, we must stand united against such despicable acts and demand that all elected officials and community leaders denounce this hateful message with unwavering solidarity. Failing to do so bolsters those who continue to stoke the flames of hatred and fear.

At the heart of a free and thriving community lies a commitment to fostering an environment in which everyone feels safe, respected, and embraced for who they are without fear of violence and the stings of detestable language. Let us reject acts of intolerance and remain steadfast in our dedication to a society that cherishes diversity rather than uses it as a cudgel to instill fear and hate. There is a thin line between words of bigotry and acts of hate, a line we have crossed in the past but dare not cross again.

A comprehensive investigation as promised by the Suffolk County Police Department would be the first step in bringing the perpetrator(s) to justice and reassuring our community members — including the most vulnerable — that their safety is part of our shared commitment to justice and fairness.

As we navigate these challenging times, we rely on the strength that comes from unity. Together, we can rise above the shadows cast by acts of hatred, reaffirming our commitment to a community that celebrates our differences and stands resilient against the divisive forces that seek to tear us apart.