I Was Told, “Go Back Where You Came From”

I want to share my personal story, because it explains why I believe so strongly in the mission of law enforcement that is just and compassionate.

I grew up in a close-knit community in the United States Virgin Islands, the proud child of immigrant parents, who, like many from the Caribbean, came seeking opportunity. My childhood was shaped by a vibrant immigrant community, but also by the painful reality of discrimination and nationalism. While race was not the primary fault line, the belief that immigrants would take jobs or resources from local Virgin Islanders fueled hostility. I witnessed my parents being demeaned because of their immigrant status, and although I was born in the Virgin Islands, I too was met with name-calling and told to “go back where you come from.”

Despite these challenges and the economic hardships, we faced, I was fortunate to have a supportive upbringing surrounded by extended family, some related by blood, others by the strength of community. After high school, I attended Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, where I earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees before dedicating my life to public service. As a public servant and law enforcement officer, I took the Oath of Office to defend the constitution and faithfully discharge the duties of the office. I faithfully performed my duties, always with my compass pointed towards justice, compassion, and service.

For more than three decades, I served as a law enforcement professional—working as a federal agent, manager, executive, and the police commissioner of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Throughout my career, I committed myself not only to enforcing the law, but to ensuring the fair administration of justice. I have always believed that respect, equity, and accountability must guide how we serve our communities. As a son of immigrant parents, certain worldviews remain prevalent, to include, “I am because we are.”  Hence, I am a product of my community, nurtured and developed to contribute to my community. 

As I advanced in leadership, I became increasingly aware of how policies and laws caused disproportionate harm to Black and brown communities. One of the most glaring examples was the federal sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine. Crack cocaine, more prevalent in low-income Black neighborhoods, carried penalties that were 100 times harsher than powder cocaine, which was more commonly associated with white users. Possession of just 5 grams of crack cocaine frequently resulted in a 5-year federal sentence, while a similar sentence for powder cocaine required 500 grams. The impact was devastating:

• Before the 1986 mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines, the average federal drug sentence for African Americans was 11% higher than for whites.
• By 1990, that gap had grown to nearly 50%.

Today, African Americans make up 13% of the U.S. population but roughly 34% of the prison population.

This disparity—and the countless personal stories behind the statistics—deepened my conviction that public safety and justice must be pursued without bias.

These experiences fuel my passion for reform. Consequently, I became an active member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), whose mission aligns with my professional values of fairness and equity in the administration of justice. Also, I joined the board of the Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP), whose mission is to focus law enforcement resources on the greatest public safety threats, and to advocate for the enhanced police-community relations.

I believe in procedural justice that prioritizes fairness, transparency, community engagement, and dignity for all people. Policing is meant to be a service-oriented profession, yet the legacy of over-policing and mass incarceration in Black and brown communities has fractured trust and undermined the legitimacy of the justice system. When police professionals violate the law or abuse their authority, public trust erode.

I continue to advocate for: justice that protects without discrimination, safety that includes everyone, and policies grounded in humanity rather than fear. Rebuilding trust requires leadership that Is rooted in courage, accountability, and partnership.

Trevor Velinor is a retired VIPD Police Commissioner

President of Velfam Professional Services consulting firm