Hispanic construction workers in a Kernersville neighborhood have been left wondering what to do after experiencing verbal attacks while on the job. These incidents occurred in October in the new subdivision of Caleb’s Creek, near Interstate 40 and Union Cross Road. At times, the situation even seemed to verge on physical altercations.

Police Response and Lack of Arrests

The Kernersville Police Department has chosen not to investigate the incident, as stated by Police Chief Jason Tilley, as no crime was committed. Multiple neighbors have urged the police to at least consider harassment charges. One couple was heard shouting derogatory and offensive remarks at the workers, such as "You *expletive* immigrant! Go the *expletive* home! Go home!" Vance Wright, who lives nearby, recounted hearing such racial slurs outside his home on Oct. 7. He saw a vehicle parked with a couple yelling at the construction workers. Ring camera video later showed the couple driving by, yelling slurs, reversing, getting out of the car, and approaching the workers. However, the workers chose to ignore the insults. Despite neighbors providing a description and some license plate numbers to the police, no arrests were made. Tilley stated in a statement that after an investigation, no arrests were possible as no crime had been committed. He suggested that the incident may have been provoked by road rage, but Wright disputes this claim, deeming it as racism and harassment. This has left the Caleb’s Creek neighborhood filled with concern, with many residents expressing their unhappiness.

Worker's Perspective

Heladio Agama, one of the workers building homes in the subdivision, expressed his distress upon seeing the video. Through translation, he said, "Clearly, this makes me feel terrible to think that there are people out there who are this racist and simply don't want Hispanics here in this country. We're Hispanics, but we're out here doing the hard work. Why don't they come out here and do the hard work? We're the ones here doing it." His words reflect the frustration and injustice felt by the Hispanic workers.

Homeowners Association President's View

The president of the homeowners association for Caleb’s Creek was aware of the incident and was deeply disturbed by what had happened. He shared a similar sentiment to Agama, emphasizing the hard work being done by the Hispanic workers. He said, "I'm here. I'm working really hard. Yes, I am Hispanic, but I'm the one working hard in this country, and we're doing the job that no one else wants to do."These incidents highlight the challenges faced by Hispanic workers in the construction industry and the need for greater awareness and action to address such acts of racism and harassment.