Amid the media buzz regarding the assault on freedom of speech spearheaded by Donald Trump, his stringent anti-immigration policies persisted. These activities manifested in various forms such as immigration crackdowns in Chicago, detentions of authorities in New York demanding access to an ICE detention center, among others. The frequency and intensity of these actions are overwhelming and intended to tire out opposition.
Despite Trump initially withdrawing the threat of deploying National Guard and military troops in Chicago, a rigorous campaign targeting individuals believed to be in the country illegally was nonetheless initiated. This operation, which has been in progress for a fortnight now, is referred to as ‘Operation Midway Blitz’. The name resonates with grim historical references, bringing up images of Nazi tactics.
Chicago citizens have taken to the streets to voice their disapproval of the operation. One notable protester was a prominent state representative from Illinois, who adamantly instructed unidentified agents in unmarked vehicles to leave her neighborhood. However, resistance did not come without retribution – particularly noticed on a specific Friday morning.
ICE agents responded with force against protesters outside an incarceration site situated in the Broadview suburb of Chicago. Video evidence recorded ICE agents imposing their might on Kat Abughazaleh, a Democratic congressional candidate, alongside roughly another 100 protesters. Their collective aim was to obstruct unmarked vehicles from entering or exiting the detention area.
Narratives of similar encounters emerged from New York. About 71 individuals, which included twelve local and state officials, were apprehended during a demonstration at Manhattan’s 26 Federal Plaza. This is also the federal building where ICE has been apprehending people following their scheduled immigration proceedings. NYC Comptroller Brad Lander was among those arrested.
Brad Lander was taken into custody while he was accompanying an immigrant from a courtroom. The officials experienced this fate after they expressed their need to inspect the detention quarters. Conditions within these cells were reported to be so deplorable that a federal judge ordered the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to restrict the number of detainees while guaranteeing adequate provisions and sanitation.
Furthermore, the judge also instructed the DHS to ensure that the detainees could access legal services. Alongside Lander, other victims of the clampdown included two senators from the state of New York, nine members of the state Assembly, several other city officials, and about 40 regular citizens.
In an alarming incident in Louisiana, an immigration judge ordered the deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a former graduate student from Columbia University, who had peacefully protested against the war in Gaza. Khalil, a legal US resident and husband to an American citizen, was apprehended in March on the grounds of a supposedly revoked ‘student visa’ despite possessing a green card.
Authorities argued that regardless of the lack of evidence suggesting Khalil had broken laws, he needed to be deported due to his allegedly subversive thoughts. After a period of detention, Khalil was briefly released in June. However, he is now facing possible deportation to Algeria or Syria due to suspected inaccuracies in his permanent residence application. Khalil and his legal team have one month to dispute this order.
On a brighter note, the past week has also witnessed a positive development in immigration stories. Imam Ayman Soliman, who has served previously as a chaplain at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, was finally liberated after a 2-month incarceration by ICE following revocation of his asylum status.
Soliman, who had fled Egypt for the US in 2014 post being tortured and arrested for his journalistic coverage of the Arab Spring demonstrations there, was at risk of being deported. Fortunately, his asylum status was recently reinstated which makes him eligible to apply again for a green card, and ultimately, American citizenship.
Reacting to his release, Soliman struggled for words to convey his emotions, describing it as a dream-like experience. Supporters including religious heads, children, and others were seen holding signs with messages of welcome. He took the opportunity to express his gratitude to his well-wishers and supporters.
Soliman’s attorneys suggested that the vigorous public support was instrumental in pressuring ICE to let him go, especially as they could not present any definitive reason to justify scrapping his asylum. Soliman had been due for a trial in the immigration court in Cleveland the following week. Advocates are now rejoicing over Soliman’s opportunity to return to his chaplaincy duties.
Wrapping up, it’s important to highlight that when there’s unified opposition to the aggressive anti-immigration policies, there’s hope for success. It’d be daunting and draining, but the beacon of resistance must continue to shine brightly against the backdrop of the current upheaval.
The post Trump’s Persistent Anti-Immigration Crackdown Elicits Public Outrage appeared first on Real News Now.
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