CHICAGO (WLS) — Investigators say regarding the texts were sent to hundreds, if not thousands, of black people in at least 16 states.

Illinois residents say they fear physical violence could be the next step.

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“It says, ‘Hello. You have been selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation,'” Theresa Aguda said.

Aguda woke up to this message the day after Election Day. He says she can expect “executive slaves” to pick her up and take her to a plantation.

“I said, ‘Well, you know what, they’re coming here, I’ve got something for them.’ Don’t think I’m just going to get up and jump and go get this, it’s not going to happen,” Aguda said.

Dozens of these texts worry Black Americans in states like Georgia, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Alabama, Louisiana and now, here in Illinois. Some messages were specific to the person.

“They actually said my first and last name,” Jordan Myart said. “It was as detailed as they said, ‘Once you arrive at the plantation, you will be searched.'”

TextNow.com, a phone service that allows users to create phone numbers for free, claims that “one or more of our accounts have been used to send text messages in violation of our Terms of Service.”

Officials in Illinois and across the country condemn these messages. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul expressed outrage, explaining: “Hate has no place in the state of Illinois, period. »

“It seems dangerous and I wish God forbid something happened to me or anyone else,” Myart said.

“It makes you feel like you have to watch yourself every time you go out,” Aguda said.

Aguda says his heart breaks having to explain the realities of racism to his children and grandchildren.

“My mother’s family had nothing to do with us because we were black,” Aguda said. “It’s a shame that I feel like we’re about to go back.”

Although the texts arrived hours after Donald Trump became president-elect, there is no indication they are linked to him or his supporters.

Investigators say they are trying to determine whether the texts came from the United States or abroad.

Local law enforcement urged anyone who receives or knows someone who receives these text messages to contact them.