There is nothing normal about the recent ICE raids

As a faith-rooted organizer who has spent nearly three decades defending immigrant families and standing against ICE, these past three days of enforcement actions in Los Angeles shook me to my core.  Enforcement was also taking place in other cities in Southern California, but in Los Angeles, they were not everyday ICE operations.

In a ruthless and barbaric way, ICE agents showed up, grabbed people, separated parents from their children, sowed fear in entire neighborhoods and left deep, lasting trauma in our whole community. The impact of these actions is not limited to the families directly affected, but reverberates throughout our neighborhoods, schools and workplaces.  As this high school teacher, Mrs. Mia, asked me, “When school resumes, how am I supposed to keep students safe? And how am I supposed to teach children who have experienced this trauma?” She works for a school district where many immigrants lack the proper documents. She asked to have her name changed and to leave out the name of the school to protect the immigrants from being targeted in that community.   

As someone who has worked against immigrant detention, I’m heartbroken for the families facing sudden separation and the trauma they have experienced,  the parents who didn’t come home, the kids who will be too afraid to go to school. The amount of stress, both emotional and economic stress, that has now been placed on the families is well known to me, as I helped dozens of immigrants out of detention. It is costly to secure an immigration lawyer. 

Then there is the waiting for months, being detained while awaiting due process, and that is if they do respect due process, which includes the opportunity to appear before an immigration judge and the possibility of being released upon payment of a bond. We are talking about thousands of dollars, which most of these hard-working immigrants do not have and which will send their families spiraling into an economic crisis. 

These incidents are part of a racist system with a long history, designed to criminalize people of color, divide the community and allow corporations to continue to profit from immigrant detention. However, this time, it was very intentional and targeted.  As Governor Newsom said in a social media post, “This time it was an assault on democracy.”  

And yet, amid this pain, I am uplifted by the pro-immigrant movement. By the neighbors, organizers, leaders and those who say, “Not in my community and on our watch.”  To all who showed up in solidarity, thank you for not being silent. Thank you for not backing down. We should challenge and reject any attempt to make these violent actions seem normal. 

Mobilizing and organizing will continue to build a world rooted in dignity, protection and justice for all people. We have the right to show up and protest; please exercise this right with caution.  Remember that the anti-immigrant movement and this current White House administration want chaos and destruction, to then blame it on the immigrants and those who showed solidarity. If you want to get involved, consider joining a local pro-immigrant organization, attending a community meeting or participating in a peaceful protest. 

And to those who are living in fear, I see you.  You belong to this place and this time, and you are not alone. There are good people all around who will walk you to the market or wherever you need to be.  Ask for help. Join one of the many pro-immigrant organizations in your area and stay connected.