by Xavier Miranda
As we approach a second Trump presidential term, it is vital we educate ourselves on looming immigration policy that must be called out for its fascist components.
Already despotic state and federal policies have been evident in our borderlands:
- Separation of immigrant children from their families as they seek asylum.
- Detention of immigrant children that exceed the 20 day limit as per the Flores settlement.
- Exploitation of Title 42 expulsions.
- Immigration Customs Enforcement having lost track of over one thousand immigrant children and their parents in terms of reunification efforts.
- Border Patrol agents have fatally shot children in the border regions, as well as conducting high-speed car chases in our streets with fatal results.
- Operation Lone Star/ SB4
- Mandates for hospital personnel to report patient citizenship status, prompting immigrants to forego medical care.
At a time in history wherein apatheid, ethnic cleansing, and genocide are being perpetrated in Palestine, with the complicity of the United States government, it is important to acknowledge that technology and policies utilized by Israel are also being used in our border communities.
The historical parallels do not go unnoticed in our community given our past, e.g., the Bath Riots of 1917 and Operation Wetback of 1954, among the most prominent.
Escalation of this transition to fascism is already evident in El Paso as detention facilities are erected and the militarization of our community quietly take place, with no pushback from local Democrats. There is no doubt the associated $315 billion price tag to enrich the incarceration and surveillance industries is likely to be touted as an economic driver.
The initial deportation of over 1.5 million immigrants in the proposed three phases, may occur through workplace, hospital, and school raids. As much as it may seem as hyperbole, a culture of fear is being forged.
The following xenophobic policies have been tapped to justify our incoming president’s policies:
- Aliens Enemies Act of 1798
- Operation Aurora
- Elimination of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
- Utilization of the Department of Defense and National Guard to enforce immigration.
- Threats to withhold federal funds from state and municipal entities refusing to comply with Trump’s mandates.
- Refusal of in-state tuition
- Criminalization of organizations deemed as aiding terrorist groups
- The utilization of school buildings to detain immigrants.
Fortunately, we have various resources in terms of organizations and groups that advocate for immigrant rights. Regardless of status, the United States Constitution, namely the 4th, 5th, and 6th amendments ensure the rights of all people are upheld. It is through education that our democracy will be preserved.
If you are so inclined to get involved, please consider supporting the numerous efforts of the following local organizations:
- Border Network for Human Rights : https://bnhr.org/
- Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center: https://www.las-americas.org/
Lastly, for colleagues in education, feel free to contact me should you wish to participate in Know Your Rights presentations.
Xavier Miranda
xmiranda5@gmail.com