ICE Detainees - Update and Commentary

Hello Friends,

Well, it’s been an interesting few weeks… First, the facts. Then we will get to commentary…

As you are likely aware, 5 Ecuadorian asylum seekers were arrested in Londonderry recently by ICE. Besides the obviously horrific experience of the detainees, many in the community felt upset, powerless and violated. The community reacted quickly and with substance the next day by gathering to understand the situation and organize to help.

Because of our help, Migrant Justice was able to hire a lawyer immediately. As of today, the detainees are in MA being held pending their bond hearings. One man was granted bond this morning ($5K) and will be out by tomorrow! and the others should have hearings this week. There is money available for the bonds. But all the other legal fees need to be covered. Thanks to the generosity of the community, we have raised over $15,000 for this purpose. It is estimated that the legal bills will be in the $20K range (for all five men combined). If you would like to contribute, please go to northshirecommunity.org.

For an article on ICE’s recent ramp up of activity in Vermont, here is a good Digger article.

The fact that masked, unidentified men can arrest people off the streets in the USA is simply unconscionable. ICE, which has served a legitimate function in previous administrations, has morphed into a poorly trained, proto fascist agency inducing fear into the hearts and minds of Americans, new and old. They are arresting people regardless of status to meet unrealistic quotas. Most of the time, as was the case in Londonderry, these are law abiding, tax paying immigrants who are largely doing jobs Americans don’t want. Do we still want dairy farms in Vermont? How about restaurants? And construction? Besides being inhumane and putting people at unnecessary risk, it is simply bad economic policy.

From outrageous to sadistic… from the BBC: “US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers may soon be equipped with gloves that can deliver electric shocks as they carry out their law enforcement duties. ICE plans to spend up to $20m (£14.8m) to buy the Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter (GLOVE), according to a note published on Monday by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The gloves can deliver up to 380 volts of electricity. A standard US power outlet is 120 volts.” What is there to say to this? What country are we living in?

The following is from an email I sent out to the group that attended the meeting last Saturday. I’d like to share it here:

While this plays out, I would like to request your help in battling the larger forces at play. Our country is in a dangerous place right now. As we found out last week, the toxins being dispersed by this administration are infecting Vermont. We still have a foundation of community spirit and connection here - we need to strengthen this in the coming years, not let it degrade into the racism, misogyny, selfishness, fear and hate that dominates the airwaves. We need to understand deeply that we are all connected, that we are all on this roller coaster ride together.

So, my request is that every day you lean into kindness for those you encounter. In the grocery store, on the street, at a meeting... offer a smile, a hug, a conversation, a compliment. Small gestures make a difference over time. And, of course, if you have time get engaged in your community by volunteering for town government, the food cupboard, Neighborhood Connections, whatever.

Another part of this that is important is not to let them steal your joy! It is more important than ever to take care of yourself by not taking on the negativity. Your joy and full heartedness will be the wellspring for your connection and community action.

It seems crass to turn to politics given the situation, but politics are relevant here – even at the local level. My opponent is a MAGA Trump supporter. These are Trump’s policies upending people’s lives, stoking fear and degrading the role of law enforcement.

I will detail President Trump’s economic and human impact on Vermonters in the near future. The only good part of this that I see is that our district will have a very clear choice on who will represent us in Montpelier. Choice is good.

Be well,

Chris Morrow

Morrowforvt@gmail.com

www.morrow4vt.com

To sign up for my newsletter, please go to my website: www.morrow4vt.com