‘SELF-DEPORT’: Anti-immigrant vandalism in Henrico leaves community shaken

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A Henrico County neighborhood is expressing concern after anti-immigrant vandalism was discovered on a fence Friday morning.

The message, which read “SELF-DEPORT,” was spray-painted across a fence on Springfield Road near Kingscroft Drive.

“I went home in tears," said Belkis Colón, the woman who first spotted the vandalism. "I am a citizen, but I am compassionate and empathetic -- and I just couldn't imagine anyone who was living in fear seeing that message."

Colón said she immediately reported the incident to the Henrico County Police Division. Officers responded to the scene and confirmed they found a message spray-painted on the fence.

Anti-immigrant message spray-painted on a fence in Henrico County. (Photo: Belkis Colón)

Authorities said they cleaned up the message and notified the property owners, who were not home at the time.

“I was worried that they weren't going to do anything about it,” Colón said. “It's a message of fear.”

The incident occurred amid growing national unrest surrounding immigration enforcement. Just hours after the vandalism was discovered Friday, over a hundred protesters gathered in Richmond to denounce the work of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

“The people united will never be divided," said Violeta Vega, a local organizer at Friday's protest with the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL).

That Friday demonstration was followed by an even larger protest the next day, where thousands of Richmond residents rallied against the Trump administration, highlighting key issues the administration has focused on -- including its immigration policies.

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Despite the show of support for immigrants, the incident in Henrico highlights ongoing divisions across the country.

Still, Colón said her neighborhood remains united.

“We are a very inclusive community -- a very diverse community lives here, and we want people to feel safe,” she said.

As of now, it remains unclear who is responsible for the graffiti. Henrico Police said it will continue to investigate the message’s intentions and any potential suspects.

Anyone who may have information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Henrico County Police Division at 804-501-5000.