The US ICE Raids…
I took a small break from posting on here, but I couldn’t come back without talking about our current events, specifically the ICE raids in Los Angeles.
For those who don’t know, I am of Latina descent on my mother's side, and I am African American on my father’s side. About a year ago, I had the pleasure of finding out my mother’s ancestry, and I learned that my great-great-grandfather immigrated to the US in 1911 from Mexico.
I was already aware that my family was from Mexico, of course, but it hits differently when you can trace your origins to a specific moment in history.
I’ve always been proud of where I come from and all the different sides of who I am, but it has been exciting to discover more about my ancestors, as I know many don’t get the privilege of doing so.
There’s a lot more to the story, obviously, but I just wanted to highlight the fact that this was the beginning of my family’s time here in America. He went on to have eight children, one of which being my great-grandfather, who then had my grandfather, who had my mother. Knowing what I know now, I can’t help but think about the fact that if it weren’t for him, my mom wouldn’t be here, and she would’ve never met my dad. While not directly, I am technically a product of immigration. But if you think about it… aren’t we all?
Whether or not someone came here “legally,” I can’t blame anyone for wanting to create a better life for themselves and their families. Quite frankly, unless you’re indigenous, none of us has the right to be here.
What’s happening right now in the United States shouldn’t even be up for debate. It’s wrong. Tearing people from their families is wrong. Arresting people and forcing them out of the country is not just wrong, it’s unconstitutional. Everyone has the right to due process regardless of citizenship status. Being undocumented is a civil offense in the eyes of the law, not a felony. But they know this. It’s blatant racism.
It’s also important to note that ICE is not just targeting undocumented people, but people on a path to gaining citizenship as well.
Whether or not you feel this directly affects you, think about this: We were all one set of parents away from being born into a position of suffering. Witnessing how low our world leaders have stooped, whether it be the Trump administration or Netanyahu, committing humanitarian crimes against Palestinians, it’s important to realize that while something may not concern you, showing basic sympathy for others is the morally correct thing to do. We are all interconnected in one way or another, and, unfortunately, many choose to ignore that.
Staying aware of situations like this is important. Donating when you can, signing petitions, and protesting if you feel comfortable doing so make a much bigger difference than many realize. Now, more than ever, we must not let the man keep us down. Never submit to wrongdoings and always speak up when you have something to say.
With all of this being said, I still think it’s more than ok to find joy in your life. Book that trip, buy that bag, laugh with friends and family because tomorrow is never promised, but never lose sight of the rest of the world, and have some respect for what other people are going through. I don’t claim to be perfect and never will, but I will always try to make an effort to do the right thing.
I have provided links below to organizations where you can donate and learn more about different current events.
The Coalition for Human Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), California’s largest immigrant rights organization:
MoveOn, an organization dedicated to “an inclusive and progressive future. We envision a world marked by equality, sustainability, justice, and love. And we mobilize together to achieve it.”:
https://front.moveon.org/?content=mo_nav
Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project:
United We Dream, “The Largest Immigrant Youth-Led Network”:
https://unitedwedream.org/
Doctors Without Borders, an organization dedicated to providing global humanitarian aid:
https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/
Immigration Rights
