Immigration and Customs Enforcement: From the War on Terror to the War on Immigrants and Citizens
Harsha Walia emphasizes that ICE is just one part of a larger ecosystem of agencies involved in policing and immigration. To understand the complexities of this system, it's essential to examine the roles of other agencies, such as Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the US Border Patrol. These agencies work together to enforce immigration laws, often resulting in the detention and deportation of migrants. Walia notes that the US immigration system is a web of federal, state, and local agencies, making it challenging to navigate and dismantle.
The involvement of various agencies in immigration enforcement has led to a proliferation of surveillance and policing tactics, including the use of drones, biometric data, and other technologies. This has created a vast network of surveillance that disproportionately affects marginalized communities, particularly Muslims, black and brown immigrants. Understanding the interconnectedness of these agencies and their tactics is crucial for developing effective strategies for abolition.
Walia highlights the importance of recognizing that the immigration system is not just a domestic issue, but a transnational phenomenon. The US immigration system is linked to global systems of oppression, including imperialism, capitalism, and racism. To abolish ICE and the broader immigration enforcement apparatus, it's necessary to address these underlying systems of oppression and work towards a more just and equitable society. By examining the origins of ICE and the ecosystem of agencies involved in immigration enforcement, it becomes clear that abolition requires a comprehensive and nuanced approach that takes into account the complex web of power and oppression that underlies the US immigration system.
The notion that ICE is a singular entity responsible for immigration enforcement is misleading, as it is part of a vast network of agencies that work together to detain and deport migrants. This ecosystem includes hundreds of agencies with jurisdiction over immigrants, as well as state and local level agencies and policing organizations. The involvement of these various agencies creates a complex web of surveillance and enforcement that disproportionately affects marginalized communities.
The development of ICE is often attributed to the current administration, but it has been built up over 20 years, with every president, regardless of party affiliation, contributing to its growth. The creation of ICE was supported by Democrats, and subsequent administrations, including those of Clinton, Obama, and Biden, have poured money into the agency. The Democratic Party's approach to immigration has often relied on categorizing immigrants as either "good" or "bad," which has been used to justify increased funding for immigration enforcement and border militarization.
This approach was exemplified by President Obama's statement that he was only deporting "felons, not families," which became a justification for border militarization. Under Obama's administration, half of all federal criminal arrests were immigration-related, and he invested heavily in collaboration between local law enforcement and federal immigration enforcement. Today, when Democrats call for abolishing ICE, they often mean reforming the agency rather than eliminating immigration enforcement altogether.
The idea of creating a more "benevolent" ICE is a flawed one, as it fails to address the underlying issues of oppression and racism that drive immigration enforcement. The "good cop, bad cop" narrative, which portrays ICE as the "bad cop" and other law enforcement agencies as the "good cop," is also problematic. This binary ignores the fact that all law enforcement agencies, including those that are perceived as "good," are part of a system that perpetuates violence and abuse against marginalized communities. The focus on abolishing ICE should be part of a broader effort to dismantle the entire system of immigration enforcement and create a more just and equitable society.
The notion that certain immigrants are more deserving of rights and dignity than others is a flawed approach, as it reinforces the idea that some individuals are inherently "good" or "bad" based on their immigration status. This line of thinking has been perpetuated for decades, with devastating consequences. By attempting to distinguish between "innocent" and "guilty" immigrants, advocates inadvertently perpetuate the criminalization of entire communities. The criteria for determining who is deemed "innocent" or "respectable" are constantly evolving, making it impossible to achieve a consistent standard.
Furthermore, this approach ignores the fact that immigration enforcement is often driven by racial and economic motivations, rather than a genuine concern for public safety. The narrative that certain immigrants are "criminals" or "undesirables" is a product of a broader ideology that seeks to control and exploit marginalized communities. By buying into this narrative, even if only implicitly, advocates risk reinforcing the very systems of oppression they seek to dismantle.
A more effective approach would be to challenge the fundamental logic of immigration enforcement and the notion that certain individuals can be deemed "illegal" or "undesirable." This requires a nuanced understanding of the complex power dynamics at play and a commitment to dismantling the systems of oppression that drive immigration policy. By focusing on the inherent humanity and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status, advocates can work towards creating a more just and equitable society.
This system of global apartheid is designed to reinforce racial hierarchy and serve the interests of global capital, perpetuating the exploitation and displacement of marginalized communities. By examining the role of borders in this context, it becomes clear that they function as a tool to control and restrict the movement of certain groups, while allowing others to move freely. This dichotomy is rooted in a complex web of power dynamics, with borders serving as a physical and symbolic barrier to reinforce the dominance of wealthy nations over poorer ones.
The concept of borders as a system of global apartheid highlights the need to challenge the notion that migration is a privilege granted by wealthy nations, rather than a fundamental human right. By recognizing the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism and imperialism, it becomes clear that migration is often a result of forced displacement, rather than a choice. This understanding is crucial in developing a more nuanced and equitable approach to migration, one that acknowledges the agency and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their nationality or immigration status.
In the context of Latin America and the Caribbean, the legacy of colonialism and imperialism has created a complex landscape of migration and displacement. The region's history of exploitation and violence has led to the displacement of millions of people, who are often forced to flee their homes in search of safety and economic opportunity. By examining the role of borders in this context, it becomes clear that they serve as a tool to reinforce the racial and economic hierarchies that have been imposed on the region.
The notion that borders can be defined and controlled by wealthy nations is a product of a broader ideology that seeks to maintain the dominance of global capital over marginalized communities. By challenging this ideology and recognizing the inherent humanity and dignity of all individuals, it is possible to develop a more just and equitable approach to migration, one that prioritizes the needs and rights of migrants over the interests of wealthy nations. This requires a fundamental transformation of the current migration system, one that acknowledges the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism and imperialism, and seeks to create a more just and equitable world for all.
The concept of borders as a tool to maintain racial capitalism and serve the interests of empire is further reinforced by the way they are enforced and expanded beyond traditional geographic boundaries. The outsourcing of border enforcement to other countries, as seen in the examples of Mexico and El Salvador, highlights the elastic nature of borders and their ability to be manipulated to maintain the dominance of imperial powers. This phenomenon is not unique to the United States, as the European Union has also been involved in funding border camps and concentration camps in various regions, including the Sahel and horn of Africa, Turkey, and Ukraine.
The notion that borders are not fixed entities, but rather dynamic and expanding systems of control, is underscored by the comments of US officials, who have stated that the southern border of the United States is not with Mexico, but rather with southern Mexico. This perspective highlights the way in which borders are being redefined and expanded to maintain the interests of empire, and to police and control the movement of people. The border is no longer just a physical line on a map, but a regime of governance that functions to maintain the dominance of imperial powers.
This understanding of borders as a method of policing and apartheid is not limited to the context of immigration, but rather has broader implications for the way in which societies are organized and controlled. As Angela Davis and Gina Dent have noted, the prison is also a border, highlighting the ways in which systems of oppression and control are interconnected and reinforcing. By recognizing the border as a dynamic and expanding system of control, we can begin to see the ways in which it is used to maintain racial capitalism and serve the interests of empire, and to develop new strategies for resistance and challenge.
The concept of borders as a tool for maintaining control over various populations can be seen in the ways gated communities and gentrification function as forms of bordering, subjugating certain groups and limiting their access to resources. Recognizing these connections can help bridge the gap between different social movements, highlighting that the issue of borders extends beyond citizens and migrants to encompass all individuals impacted by displacement, dispossession, and policing.
By understanding that borders are a product of imperialism and capitalism, designed to exploit resources and maintain control, we can begin to see the world in a different light. The concept of intercommunalism, coined by Huey Newton, emphasizes the ability to communicate and connect with one another despite physical borders. This idea is particularly relevant in today's world, where imperialism and fascism are perpetuating exploitation, murder, and dehumanization.
When considering resistance to these oppressive systems, there are numerous inspiring examples of grassroots organizations successfully combating human capture and imprisonment. One notable aspect of the border is its role in creating a pool of cheap labor, as undocumented workers are often forced to work for less than minimum wage and are threatened with deportation if they attempt to unionize. This system of capture maintains racial capitalism and domesticated imperialism, perpetuating the exploitation of marginalized groups.
In response to these systems of oppression, various forms of resistance have emerged. The fight against ICE and its presence in cities such as Minneapolis, LA, and Chicago has been notable, with communities defending their neighbors and challenging the notion of borders. Additionally, resistances to FIFA and its role in displacing people, as well as fights against gentrification and prison expansion, demonstrate the diverse ways in which people are organizing and mobilizing against bordering and oppression. These movements highlight the importance of localism, kinship, and community, echoing the ideas of intercommunalism and challenging the traditional notions of borders and citizenship.
The outpouring of support for immigrants in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland has been particularly noteworthy, with communities rallying together to defend their neighbors against violence and intimidation. This phenomenon is not isolated, as similar community-led defense initiatives have emerged worldwide, underscoring the global nature of the struggle against border oppression. While these community defenses may not be a match for the heavily militarized state violence of immigration enforcement, each act of resistance and collective organizing sends a powerful message. Every time people come together to fight back and assert their presence, it changes the terrain of struggle, making it more difficult for oppressive systems to maintain their grip.
The most potent form of resistance to the border is the ungovernable spirit of migrants who continue to defy the fascist agenda, crossing borders and forging their own paths to freedom. These individuals, often forced to live in the shadows, are not just surviving but thriving, building communities, and forming connections with their neighbors. Their determination to move, to live, and to resist is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to overcome even the most formidable obstacles. Every act of defiance, every gesture of solidarity, and every community formed in the face of oppression is a crucial part of dismantling the border and challenging the fascist agenda that seeks to control and dehumanize.
The involvement of various agencies in immigration enforcement has led to a proliferation of surveillance and policing tactics, including the use of drones, biometric data, and other technologies. This has created a vast network of surveillance that disproportionately affects marginalized communities, particularly Muslims, black and brown immigrants. Understanding the interconnectedness of these agencies and their tactics is crucial for developing effective strategies for abolition.
Walia highlights the importance of recognizing that the immigration system is not just a domestic issue, but a transnational phenomenon. The US immigration system is linked to global systems of oppression, including imperialism, capitalism, and racism. To abolish ICE and the broader immigration enforcement apparatus, it's necessary to address these underlying systems of oppression and work towards a more just and equitable society. By examining the origins of ICE and the ecosystem of agencies involved in immigration enforcement, it becomes clear that abolition requires a comprehensive and nuanced approach that takes into account the complex web of power and oppression that underlies the US immigration system.
The notion that ICE is a singular entity responsible for immigration enforcement is misleading, as it is part of a vast network of agencies that work together to detain and deport migrants. This ecosystem includes hundreds of agencies with jurisdiction over immigrants, as well as state and local level agencies and policing organizations. The involvement of these various agencies creates a complex web of surveillance and enforcement that disproportionately affects marginalized communities.
The development of ICE is often attributed to the current administration, but it has been built up over 20 years, with every president, regardless of party affiliation, contributing to its growth. The creation of ICE was supported by Democrats, and subsequent administrations, including those of Clinton, Obama, and Biden, have poured money into the agency. The Democratic Party's approach to immigration has often relied on categorizing immigrants as either "good" or "bad," which has been used to justify increased funding for immigration enforcement and border militarization.
This approach was exemplified by President Obama's statement that he was only deporting "felons, not families," which became a justification for border militarization. Under Obama's administration, half of all federal criminal arrests were immigration-related, and he invested heavily in collaboration between local law enforcement and federal immigration enforcement. Today, when Democrats call for abolishing ICE, they often mean reforming the agency rather than eliminating immigration enforcement altogether.
The idea of creating a more "benevolent" ICE is a flawed one, as it fails to address the underlying issues of oppression and racism that drive immigration enforcement. The "good cop, bad cop" narrative, which portrays ICE as the "bad cop" and other law enforcement agencies as the "good cop," is also problematic. This binary ignores the fact that all law enforcement agencies, including those that are perceived as "good," are part of a system that perpetuates violence and abuse against marginalized communities. The focus on abolishing ICE should be part of a broader effort to dismantle the entire system of immigration enforcement and create a more just and equitable society.
The notion that certain immigrants are more deserving of rights and dignity than others is a flawed approach, as it reinforces the idea that some individuals are inherently "good" or "bad" based on their immigration status. This line of thinking has been perpetuated for decades, with devastating consequences. By attempting to distinguish between "innocent" and "guilty" immigrants, advocates inadvertently perpetuate the criminalization of entire communities. The criteria for determining who is deemed "innocent" or "respectable" are constantly evolving, making it impossible to achieve a consistent standard.
Furthermore, this approach ignores the fact that immigration enforcement is often driven by racial and economic motivations, rather than a genuine concern for public safety. The narrative that certain immigrants are "criminals" or "undesirables" is a product of a broader ideology that seeks to control and exploit marginalized communities. By buying into this narrative, even if only implicitly, advocates risk reinforcing the very systems of oppression they seek to dismantle.
A more effective approach would be to challenge the fundamental logic of immigration enforcement and the notion that certain individuals can be deemed "illegal" or "undesirable." This requires a nuanced understanding of the complex power dynamics at play and a commitment to dismantling the systems of oppression that drive immigration policy. By focusing on the inherent humanity and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status, advocates can work towards creating a more just and equitable society.
This system of global apartheid is designed to reinforce racial hierarchy and serve the interests of global capital, perpetuating the exploitation and displacement of marginalized communities. By examining the role of borders in this context, it becomes clear that they function as a tool to control and restrict the movement of certain groups, while allowing others to move freely. This dichotomy is rooted in a complex web of power dynamics, with borders serving as a physical and symbolic barrier to reinforce the dominance of wealthy nations over poorer ones.
The concept of borders as a system of global apartheid highlights the need to challenge the notion that migration is a privilege granted by wealthy nations, rather than a fundamental human right. By recognizing the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism and imperialism, it becomes clear that migration is often a result of forced displacement, rather than a choice. This understanding is crucial in developing a more nuanced and equitable approach to migration, one that acknowledges the agency and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their nationality or immigration status.
In the context of Latin America and the Caribbean, the legacy of colonialism and imperialism has created a complex landscape of migration and displacement. The region's history of exploitation and violence has led to the displacement of millions of people, who are often forced to flee their homes in search of safety and economic opportunity. By examining the role of borders in this context, it becomes clear that they serve as a tool to reinforce the racial and economic hierarchies that have been imposed on the region.
The notion that borders can be defined and controlled by wealthy nations is a product of a broader ideology that seeks to maintain the dominance of global capital over marginalized communities. By challenging this ideology and recognizing the inherent humanity and dignity of all individuals, it is possible to develop a more just and equitable approach to migration, one that prioritizes the needs and rights of migrants over the interests of wealthy nations. This requires a fundamental transformation of the current migration system, one that acknowledges the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism and imperialism, and seeks to create a more just and equitable world for all.
The concept of borders as a tool to maintain racial capitalism and serve the interests of empire is further reinforced by the way they are enforced and expanded beyond traditional geographic boundaries. The outsourcing of border enforcement to other countries, as seen in the examples of Mexico and El Salvador, highlights the elastic nature of borders and their ability to be manipulated to maintain the dominance of imperial powers. This phenomenon is not unique to the United States, as the European Union has also been involved in funding border camps and concentration camps in various regions, including the Sahel and horn of Africa, Turkey, and Ukraine.
The notion that borders are not fixed entities, but rather dynamic and expanding systems of control, is underscored by the comments of US officials, who have stated that the southern border of the United States is not with Mexico, but rather with southern Mexico. This perspective highlights the way in which borders are being redefined and expanded to maintain the interests of empire, and to police and control the movement of people. The border is no longer just a physical line on a map, but a regime of governance that functions to maintain the dominance of imperial powers.
This understanding of borders as a method of policing and apartheid is not limited to the context of immigration, but rather has broader implications for the way in which societies are organized and controlled. As Angela Davis and Gina Dent have noted, the prison is also a border, highlighting the ways in which systems of oppression and control are interconnected and reinforcing. By recognizing the border as a dynamic and expanding system of control, we can begin to see the ways in which it is used to maintain racial capitalism and serve the interests of empire, and to develop new strategies for resistance and challenge.
The concept of borders as a tool for maintaining control over various populations can be seen in the ways gated communities and gentrification function as forms of bordering, subjugating certain groups and limiting their access to resources. Recognizing these connections can help bridge the gap between different social movements, highlighting that the issue of borders extends beyond citizens and migrants to encompass all individuals impacted by displacement, dispossession, and policing.
By understanding that borders are a product of imperialism and capitalism, designed to exploit resources and maintain control, we can begin to see the world in a different light. The concept of intercommunalism, coined by Huey Newton, emphasizes the ability to communicate and connect with one another despite physical borders. This idea is particularly relevant in today's world, where imperialism and fascism are perpetuating exploitation, murder, and dehumanization.
When considering resistance to these oppressive systems, there are numerous inspiring examples of grassroots organizations successfully combating human capture and imprisonment. One notable aspect of the border is its role in creating a pool of cheap labor, as undocumented workers are often forced to work for less than minimum wage and are threatened with deportation if they attempt to unionize. This system of capture maintains racial capitalism and domesticated imperialism, perpetuating the exploitation of marginalized groups.
In response to these systems of oppression, various forms of resistance have emerged. The fight against ICE and its presence in cities such as Minneapolis, LA, and Chicago has been notable, with communities defending their neighbors and challenging the notion of borders. Additionally, resistances to FIFA and its role in displacing people, as well as fights against gentrification and prison expansion, demonstrate the diverse ways in which people are organizing and mobilizing against bordering and oppression. These movements highlight the importance of localism, kinship, and community, echoing the ideas of intercommunalism and challenging the traditional notions of borders and citizenship.
The outpouring of support for immigrants in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland has been particularly noteworthy, with communities rallying together to defend their neighbors against violence and intimidation. This phenomenon is not isolated, as similar community-led defense initiatives have emerged worldwide, underscoring the global nature of the struggle against border oppression. While these community defenses may not be a match for the heavily militarized state violence of immigration enforcement, each act of resistance and collective organizing sends a powerful message. Every time people come together to fight back and assert their presence, it changes the terrain of struggle, making it more difficult for oppressive systems to maintain their grip.
The most potent form of resistance to the border is the ungovernable spirit of migrants who continue to defy the fascist agenda, crossing borders and forging their own paths to freedom. These individuals, often forced to live in the shadows, are not just surviving but thriving, building communities, and forming connections with their neighbors. Their determination to move, to live, and to resist is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to overcome even the most formidable obstacles. Every act of defiance, every gesture of solidarity, and every community formed in the face of oppression is a crucial part of dismantling the border and challenging the fascist agenda that seeks to control and dehumanize.
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