As I read about the recent deaths of two men recently killed by ICE and the cheering of these deaths by some Americans, I ask what has become of this country?
The current administration has cracked down on deportations of the immigrant community regardless of documented status.
In Houston, Mexican national, Lorenzo S. Araujo who has lived and worked in this country for 35 years while supporting a family was killed by ICE agents. ICE claimed that Mr. Araujo “weaponized his vehicle” during a traffic stop.
This excuse has been used in almost every life lost at the hands of ICE, be they documented or undocumented persons or Americans while exercising their free speech rights such as Renee Nicole Good – a right all Americans have under the Constitution.
Other deaths while in ICE custody have raised serious questions of abuse and neglect.
In Maine, a Columbian immigrant with legal status was killed by ICE because he allegedly “weaponized” his vehicle.
Also troubling is that over $20 million have been spent to supply ICE agents with body cameras. Incredibly, in Houston, not a single ICE agent involved in this killing was wearing a body camera that could prove their “weaponized vehicle” claim. WE pay taxes for this equipment to shed facts on these stops, arrests, detentions and killings but, conveniently, it was not used?
Aside from the inhumanity of the targeting, an entire workforce is being eliminated, and the financial loss will reverberate through our entire economic system, especially in the agriculture industry. The targeted community has benefitted this country by working the jobs Americans simply will not do.
In working with local families impacted by ICE arrests, detentions and deportations, I see first-hand the devastation suffered by these families. They are left behind with no notice or warning that their loved ones/main wage-earners have been ripped from their lives.
As a first-generation American whose parents came to this country to make a life for their children, it pains me to know that they would be part of that targeted community.
They raised three children and taught us incredible work ethics that we have passed on to our children. I will continue to loudly state that my parents were a huge benefit to this country – not a single politician will ever convince me otherwise.
Gracie H. Gomez is chair of the Lubbock County Democratic Party.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Lubbock County Democratic chair responds to deadly ICE shootings | Opinion
Reporting by By Gracie H. Gomez, special for the Avalanche-Journal / Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Gracie H. Gomez, special for the Avalanche-Journal | USA TODAY Network
