Defund ICE and Border Patrol

Why ICE and Border Patrol are fascists, not public servants

My Fellow Democracy Defenders,

We must abolish ICE and Border Patrol! Not only do they hurt migrant communities, they have now murdered an American citizen. I am weeping after seeing the video of them shooting a woman in Minneapolis.

DOGE has cut many vital agencies and public servants. However, the Trump administration and “Border Czar” Tom Homan have increased funding to the worst government agencies - ICE and Border Patrol. They are fascists, not worthy of our civil service. These monsters separate families at the border. They would have thrown Jesus, Mary, and Joseph into cages. My heart breaks for all the children who are just trying to seek a better life in America.

The best day at my government office was when we fired all the anti-vaxxers. People who don’t know how to follow the science and obey orders that keep us safe have no place in public service. Many of the COVID vaccine deniers were part of ICE and Border Patrol. Come to think of it, the only person who should be deported is Elon Muskrat. He lied about his citizenship status and is now running the country with Trump as his puppet. Public servants at government agencies should regulate, investigate, and prosecute Elon’s companies.

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Here are 5 reasons why we must abolish ICE and Border Patrol:

1. History of Human Rights Abuses

Both ICE and Border Patrol have been accused of numerous human rights abuses, including:

• Family separation: The Trump administration's "zero-tolerance" policy led to the separation of thousands of families, with many children being taken from their parents and held in detention centers.

• Detention center conditions: Reports of poor living conditions, inadequate food and medical care, and physical and emotional abuse have been widespread.

• Excessive use of force: Border Patrol agents have been accused of using excessive force, including fatal shootings, against migrants and asylum seekers.

• Racial profiling: ICE and Border Patrol have been accused of racial profiling and targeting certain communities, particularly Latino and Muslim communities.

2. Ineffective and Wasteful

• Cost: ICE and Border Patrol are expensive agencies to operate, with ICE's budget exceeding $8 billion in 2020.

• Ineffective enforcement: Despite increased funding and personnel, the number of undocumented immigrants in the United States has remained relatively stable.

• Prioritizing enforcement over public safety: ICE and Border Patrol have prioritized deporting non-criminal immigrants over targeting serious criminals, leading to the deportation of many people who pose no threat to public safety.

3. Undermining Asylum System

• Restricting access to asylum: ICE and Border Patrol have implemented policies that restrict access to asylum, including the "Remain in Mexico" policy, which forces asylum seekers to wait in Mexico for their court hearings.

• Denying due process: ICE and Border Patrol have been accused of denying asylum seekers due process, including the right to a fair hearing and access to counsel.

4. Fostering a Culture of Fear and Trauma

• Trauma and stress: The actions of ICE and Border Patrol have caused significant trauma and stress for immigrant communities, particularly children and families.

• Fear of law enforcement: The presence of ICE and Border Patrol has created a culture of fear, leading many immigrants to avoid interacting with law enforcement, even in cases of emergency.

5. Alternative Solutions

• Community-based alternatives: Community-based alternatives, such as case management and social services, have been shown to be more effective and humane than detention and deportation.

• Pathway to citizenship: Creating a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants would allow them to integrate into society and contribute to the economy.

• Reforming the immigration system: Reforming the immigration system to prioritize family reunification, protect asylum seekers, and provide a pathway to citizenship.

• Creating a new agency: Creating a new agency that prioritizes community-based alternatives and focuses on providing support and services to immigrant communities.

• Disbanding and reassigning personnel: Disbanding ICE and Border Patrol and reassigning personnel to support community-based initiatives and provide humanitarian aid.

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REMINDER: I am a government worker writing anonymously because I fear retribution. Your support will give me courage to speak truth to power. If I lose my civil service career because of Trump’s fascism and DOGE, any income from Substack will help me support my partner, our children, and our adorable cats.

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