Over the past two years, Lane County’s Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community has been shaken by multiple waves of burglaries targeting the homes of Asian American business owners and families in Eugene and Springfield. At least 22 such burglaries have been reported since late 2023.

These crimes were not random. They deliberately targeted AAPI homes and involved extensive surveillance of the victims. Some victims reported having their security systems disabled. Some victims lost a lifetime of savings. All of the victims lost a sense of safety in their own homes. It has left many in the local AAPI community uncertain who to trust or where they can be safe.

The fear that these crimes may continue has deeply affected our community. We will not feel secure until there is accountability and a clear sense of priority from our community leaders. That’s why it’s so important for the broader community – not just AAPI residents – to come together, show support and affirm that racially targeted crimes have no place in Eugene or anywhere in Oregon.

We invite everyone to attend the Asian American and Pacific Islander Public Safety Forum on Thursday, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Korean Presbyterian Church, 1600 Taney St., Eugene. Local law enforcement, the Lane County District Attorney, and the Oregon Department of Justice will be present to share updates and answer questions.

Your presence matters. When the entire community stands together, it sends a clear message: No one should be targeted because of their race, and we will not stay silent when it happens to our AAPI friends and neighbors.

Please show that you care.

Jenny Jonak
Jensina Hawkins
David Tam
Asian American Council of Oregon board members
Eugene