Helping our Immigrant Neighbors
The best way for citizens to help is by helping everyone know their rights, recording incidents you see, and refusing to comply by providing information of any kind.
Fighting Misinformation
The labeling of migrants and immigrants as “gang members and rapists” is an intentional strategy to dehumanize and other a community of people. The government is constantly trying to frame the narrative that their victims are the ones causing the violence rather than the otherway around. Take for example the murder of Renee Nicole Good where despite admin’s claims of her resisting arrest, causing violence, and in general being a threat - the basic evidence proves them wrong. You cannot allow pundits and media to twist narratives to fit their agenda. Speak up in your community and in conversations.
- Illigal Immigrant Murderers in Texas 2013-2022
- Illegal Immigrants in Georgia Have a Low Incarceration Rate
Data from Texas show that unauthorized immigrants are 26% less likely to be convicted of homicides as native-born Americans. Similarly, in Georgia, illegal immigrants are 32% less likely to be incarcerated for homicide as other Georgia residents.
- CATO 2024
However - when spreading these facts the key is to focus on spreading the facts. As cathartic and even moralistic as some POV are - the key to really getting common ground and effecting changes is by focusing on the main objective of persuasion. And as my rhetoric professors would agree with - there are times to use pathos and times to use logos. It’s not about convincing the completely lost people, it’s about bringing together those not completely radicalized but who believe in justice and good will. Even the most selfish can convinced when reminded that this is not about protecting American’s = it’s about protecting Trump’s power.
The “illegality” myth
<img src="/images/jreunderstandthis.png" width="100%">
<p>Turns out if you make up a fake problem and blame a fake scapegoat - it is really hard to deliver on a promise. In order to meet their insanely high quota of arresting <a href="https://www.lawfirm4immigrants.com/does-the-ice-quota-put-me-at-increased-risk-what-trumps-3000-daily-arrest-mandate-means-for-immigrants/"> 3,000 people a day</a> non-criminal immigrants are being targeted and many are at risk of losing their legal statuses. They are being targeted at their places of work and courthouses during legal proceedings. Basically - the idea of "only going after the ones who are doing it illegally" is a facade for the clear racism of white nationalists. </p>
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Calling to Action
Often I’ve discussed on this page the pros and cons that come with protests and letter writing campaigns. But the fact remains they are better than nothing and have a positive impact even if they cannot be the only solution. Visible and in person protests continue to be the most effective communications so if you can’t attend find ways to donate water, food, or weather gear to help those who can. Emails or better yet calls to senators are just one drop in the bucket but together can create momentum. Speak out against the violence to human beings regardless of their citizenship in our country, decry the lavish spending for DHS. Important points of topic to advocate for include:
- Roll back 2026 ICE funding to 2025 levels.
- End the practice of making arrests without judicial warrants
- Allow congressional visits to ICE facilities without red tape
- Set standards of conduct regarding threats and use of violence that result in disciplinary action if they are violated
- Demand better training and screening of officers
- Ban masks during enforcement operations
- Require Border Patrol to… patrol the border, not city streets
- End arrest quotas
- Conduct a third-party investigation into Good’s death
- Allow Minnesota to conduct its own investigations and possible prosecutions free from federal interference