Politics has nothing to do with ICE’s recent behavior in Durango. Despite our differences, we have traditionally treated each other with care and respect. We need to unite in asking our elected officials to protect this community.
1. On Oct. 27, three people who were not disobeying any laws were abducted as the father drove his two children to school.
2. There was no juvenile liaison for the children.
3. The 12-year-old girl was isolated with ICE agents for over 24 hours with no protection. Recent ICE recruits have shortened training periods, and vetting is minimal (see: https://tinyurl.com/3jkfkwzx).
4. There are reports that the father and 15-year-old son were beaten.
5. When peaceful protesters blocked the facility gate, the agents’ response was unacceptably disproportionate, revealing a lack of training and respect for the law. Protesters were shoved and teargassed at close range.
Calls for action:
1. Immigrants who are in the U.S. legally and following a lawful process seeking asylum should not be abducted. Our representatives need to clarify this through legislation.
2. Juvenile immigrants are vulnerable and need special care. Colorado and our members of Congress need to call for juvenile liaisons and regular welfare checks.
3. Officers of the law need to identify themselves. Both Colorado and Congress need to outlaw masks and require badges.
4. ICE officers need training in responding to public demonstrations. A good place to start is with Georgetown Law’s “Law Enforcement Guidance for Policing Public Demonstrations” (See tinyurl.com/yr55n2dw). Our congressional representatives and Colorado need to demand relevant ICE training, especially in dealing with public demonstrations and respect for First Amendment rights.
Jennie Dear
Durango
