Behind the Wheel and Beyond the Shadows: Unraveling the Tragedy of Missing Black Men in Sundown Towns

23 September 2025

Missing Black Men

Investigative Report/Commentary Response 

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On the Echo News TV LLC Facebook page, friends of the relaunched Echo involved in the truck driving industry, or those who know people within it, began reporting cases of missing Black truck drivers starting in January, February, and March 2025. Despite thorough research, I was unable to find any journalistic studies, newspaper articles, or online Black media coverage that confirmed these alarming reports. Consequently, I set the topic aside to focus on other pressing issues affecting Black communities. However, in September 2025, a conversation with an industry insider provided chilling confirmation of these events, aligning with the messages received by Echo News TV LLC earlier in the year. The informant noted that most of the missing Black truck drivers were last seen in southern areas known for "sundown towns," which raised significant concerns.

What's a Sundown Town?

A Sundown Town is a term used in North America to describe a community that historically practiced racial exclusion, particularly against African Americans and, in some cases, other minority groups. The term originates from the practice where signs would indicate that people of color were not welcome in the town after dark. This often meant that African Americans were expected to leave the town by sunset.

Sundown towns employed various tactics to enforce these unwritten rules, including intimidation, violence, or even legal ordinances aimed at maintaining racial homogeneity. While many of these towns may not have explicit signs today, the legacy of exclusion can still impact community demographics and attitudes. Understanding the history and ongoing effects of Sundown Towns is essential for addressing racial inequities and fostering inclusive communities.

The troubling pattern of Black truck drivers disappearing on U.S. highways underscores systemic issues, real cases, grassroots responses, and potential preventative measures. This was further highlighted by CNN reporter Nicquel Terry Ellis in her article titled, "These families of missing Black people are frustrated with the lack of response to their cases," published on September 23, 2021. Ellis's article confirmed that Black and brown families with missing loved ones often struggle to receive fair attention for their cases, feeling frustrated as searches for missing White women, gain prominence while their own cases are overlooked or dismissed as "runaways." These families of missing Black people are frustrated with the lack of response to their cases | CNN

Consequently, America is seeing the rise of grassroots advocates who are challenging the mainstream media's lack of coverage on missing Black truckers and college graduates in regions with a history of sundown towns. As a response, communities of color have been proactive for years, organizing rallies, carrying out independent investigations, and reaching out to community advocates and lawmakers to highlight their cases that tends to not be shared on mainstream media. However, due to these issues predominantly occurring in southern "sundown towns," northern populations are not easily accessing these stories. This highlights a polarization in news media coverage comparable to the polarization in contemporary politics.

What is Polarization in News Media?

Polarization in news media refers to the increasingly sharp division of public opinion, beliefs, and attitudes, often along political lines, influenced by how news is presented and consumed. This phenomenon typically occurs when media outlets align with specific ideologies or political views, resulting in biased reporting that reinforces the perspectives of their audiences while marginalizing opposing viewpoints. As a result, individuals may consume news primarily from sources that confirm their beliefs, contributing to a lack of understanding and increased animosity between different groups. This polarization can hinder constructive dialogue and exacerbate social and political tensions within society.

Ellis's report suggests that experts assert the nation is witnessing "Missing White Women Syndrome," where media coverage disproportionately highlights missing White women and girls over people from other demographics. This phenomenon, noted in a 2016 study by the Northwestern University School of Law, is indeed contentious. Below are firsthand accounts from those in the trucking industry, whose alarming concerns suggest a disturbing trend reminiscent of the historical enslavement and oppression of Black men who simply want to provide for their family members. This reenactment of vile behavior is concealed from public view, with media moguls allegedly endorsing the troubling ideologies of the Trump Administration. Americans must stay vigilant and informed to tackle these serious issues, which are worsened by political manipulation and extreme peer pressure.

Alert: Tough Language

Food for thought:

The issue of identity theft involving American citizens, for approximately the last 40 years particularly in relation to individuals from other countries, such as Mexico plus South American countries raises significant concerns and or contribute to the potential for wrongful arrests by ICE agents. When identities are stolen or misused, it can create confusion and lead to legal citizens being mistakenly or purposely identified as undocumented immigrants. (Especially with the Trump Administration being allowed to be in power.) This situation could indeed put legal citizens at risk of being unfairly targeted by ICE. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring accurate identification processes to protect the rights and safety of all individuals, particularly those who are legally present in the country.

Commentary

In my view, is it possible that the disappearance of Black truckers is being hidden by mainstream media with the help of the Trump administration? Absolutely. Is the Trump administration using mass deportations to put Black citizens in situations reminiscent of slavery, while working with certain Mexican interest groups, the Christian Coalition, and Confederate sympathizers over the last fifty years? Yes, I believe they are. Additionally, could it be that some of these Black men have been kidnapped by ICE? It’s possible. According to Bing, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) operates in the southern United States. Local law enforcement in states like Florida and Texas has partnered with ICE through the 287(g) program, which allows them to take part in immigration enforcement actions, including detaining and deporting undocumented immigrants. (So, they say.)

What actions can we take as responsible adults to address the issue of Sundown Towns and the disappearance of Black truck drivers, particularly in light of the mainstream media’s failure to recognize this pressing crisis?

Community members who are concerned about the increasing number of missing Black truck drivers can take several proactive steps:

1. Raise Awareness: Organize community meetings or workshops to discuss the issue, share information, and raise awareness about the missing individuals.

2. Support Networks: Establish or join support groups for families of missing persons. These networks can provide emotional support and share resources.

3. Engage with Local Law Enforcement: Collaborate with local police to ensure that cases of missing truck drivers are taken seriously and that appropriate investigations are conducted.

4. Utilize Social Media: Use social media platforms to spread the word and share information about missing drivers, including their descriptions and any relevant details.

5. Advocate for Policy Changes: Work with local and national advocacy groups to push for policies that focus on the safety and welfare of truck drivers, particularly those from marginalized communities.

6. Connect with Trucking Associations: Reach out to trucking associations to discuss safety measures and raise awareness about the vulnerabilities faced by truck drivers.

7. Organize Safety Training: Conduct training sessions for truck drivers and community members on safety protocols and where to report suspicious activities.

8. Collaborate with Media: Approach local media outlets to cover the issue more prominently, which can help bring more attention to the situation.

By taking these steps, community members can create a support system aimed at addressing the concerns surrounding the safety of Black truck drivers and working toward solutions.

References:

• These families of missing Black people are frustrated with the lack of response to their cases | CNN

• Majority of Black Americans see racist or negative depictions in news media, new study finds | PBS News

• Media’s Dangerous Ignorance of Missing People of Color - Harvard Political Review

• Pope Nicolas V and the Portuguese Slave Trade · African Laborers for a New Empire: Iberia, Slavery, and the Atlantic World · Lowcountry Digital History Initiative

• Trump’s moves against media outlets mirror authoritarian approaches to silencing dissent | PBS News

•  USA Facts. Unauthorized Immigration and US Border Crossing Data by Year - North American Community Hub

• Microsoft Word - 2000ExecSumm  Office of Homeland Security "Estimates of the Illegal Alien Population Residing in the United States"