Minneapolis, (IINA) – After the Belgium terror attacks, Muslim leaders in the United States have been meeting with law enforcement authorities over fears of possible hate crimes and an anti-Muslim backlash, International Business Times reported.

After the attacks in Belgium, the city’s Muslim leaders met with law enforcement, who wanted to send the message we’re here to protect you against hate crimes.

Muslim American groups like the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) report a huge uptick in bias crimes against Muslims in recent months, including a 7th grader in Hayward, California, who said last week she was bullied and called a terrorist in school.

Some worry recent attacks overseas are creating an anti-Muslim backlash here at home. “School bullying, teacher discrimination, all sorts of issues stemming from schools all across the Bay Area, especially in the last 5, 6 months where the political rhetoric has reached really, really scary levels.”

Somali Americans like community organizer Abdirizak Bihi say that rhetoric from candidates like Donald Trump and Ted Cruz — is being used as ammunition by terrorist groups.

The concern stretches across the Muslim American community, as the heated campaign rhetoric shows little sign of cooling down.