SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – By now, most people around Lake Tahoe, and many other communities have heard about a Facebook comment Tahoe Heartbeat owner/founder Parker Alexander made on one of South Tahoe Now’s stories.
Tahoe Heartbeat is facing swift backlash after the inflammatory comments about migrant children online Saturday night. The remarks ignited widespread condemnation, prompting residents, businesses, and community leaders to take action in solidarity with Latino families and the broader migrant and non-migrant community. In South Lake Tahoe, the belief remains steadfast that all children deserve the right to feel safe in their schools, and the community made it clear that such rhetoric has no place in the town.
These illegally bred children will grow up with the influence of their criminal parents. We have to cut the dragon’s head off at the head. The kids also have to go.
By Sunday, the fallout was widespread. Local businesses severed ties with the brand with many retailers canceled contracts, while longtime customers distanced themselves from Tahoe Heartbeat. Social media was flooded with calls for accountability, and community members united to uphold the values that define South Lake Tahoe. On Monday morning, the familiar Tahoe Heartbeat displays at Safeway and Raley’s were wheeled away, with signs of love in its place at Safeway – heart shaped balloons and Valentine’s Day bouquets.
Parker Alexander told South Tahoe Now that he is getting death threats. South Lake Tahoe Police are investigating.
Advocacy groups and local leaders mobilized to show unwavering support for the Latino and migrant community, emphasizing that hate and division would not be tolerated. What began as an online controversy quickly became a larger movement—one driven by the shared belief that every child deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued.
Locals called businesses that may not have been aware of Alexander’s social media post, telling them to unfollow Tahoe Heartbeat on social media (he has since deleted his accounts) or cancel their contracts to sell his merchandise. The South Tahoe Futbol Club and South Tahoe High Boosters clubs came out with statements in support of the Latino community, and many people started burning their Tahoe Heartbeat logo hats and beanies.
Alexander’s post is as follows:
Since when is it the school’s obligation to make “kids feel safe at school” when their parents are criminals? Sure they should feel safe, that’s an inherent part of schooling these days, but more so they should be told why they are part of a bigger issue. when a kid is in danger at home, they don’t make the kid feel any kind of safe, they take them from the parents, they put them in foster care, and “feeling safe” is not the priority, making them safe is the priority, without saying it.
Well, when illegals have children, in our school system, our systems inherently become less safe. That’s just the reality. We don’t owe these children anything. Yes we should be kind and compassionate, but we should absolutely explain to each child, your parents are criminals, here illegally, and this is what’s going to happen. we’re done turning a blind eye as a country. Is it until an illegal shoots up the school, an illegal doesn’t toilet paper your house, rather lights it on fire, or an illegal murders your child in place, then how will you react?
This issue is very real, and these illegally bred children will grow up with the influence of their criminal parents. We have to cut the dragon’s head off at the head. The kids also have to go. With compassion, with care, with kindness, but they have to go as well.
Yes, it’s sad, yes it’s not ideal, but it’s real, it’s a security threat, and it’s criminal from the top. If their parents weren’t criminals they wouldn’t be here in the first place. That’s all, not complicated.
Stop with the soft ass bullshit, you’re a criminal, you’re prosecuted, you’re a descendant of a criminal, you’re managed. That’s it, nothing wrong with it. That’s called doing our job as a country.
Alexander sent an email to South Tahoe Now on Monday, issuing the following apology to be shared:
Dear Tahoe Friends, Family, and Community:
I want to apologize for my recent comments regarding immigration. This is a situation that affects many individuals and families, and while it’s a divisive issue, I recognize how my words were poorly articulated and hurtful.
To all who have been offended including those who commented, I am listening and understand your displeasure and deeply regret how my insensitive message came across.
Sincerely, Parker Alexander
The response to the controversy highlights South Lake Tahoe’s deep commitment to unity, respect, and inclusion. For generations, migrant and non-migrant families have lived and worked together, shaping the identity of the town. The swift rejection of inflammatory rhetoric sends a clear message: the community stands together to ensure that all children feel safe in their schools and that South Lake Tahoe remains a place of acceptance and support for all residents.
As the fallout continues many in the community hopes everyone on both sides of the issue can grow and learn, and get back to what South Lake Tahoe is all about.
Tahoe Heartbeat display being removed from Raley’s Monday morning:
