There seems to be a peculiar twist when some folks mistake law enforcement for tyranny, especially when it comes to enforcing immigration laws. The outrage dials up to eleven when reality sets in that laws exist for a reason, much to the chagrin of those who prefer rules that swing like an open door. Our good old friends at ICE are simply doing their jobs, yet some folks react as though they’re witnessing a dystopian horror film right at their doorstep.
The so-called crisis is actually the remedy — sending folks who entered illegally back to their homelands. But don’t tell that to the video commentators who seem to channel Shakespearean levels of drama over a straightforward legal action. They wish all sorts of trivial misfortunes on ICE agents, from enduring eternally warm pillows to those pesky stubs of the toe. If that’s not pulling from the depths of reason, what is?
A young lady, passionately animated, advises viewers to resist and know their rights, although not quite challenging the central issue. It’s almost as if the sentiment is, “Yes, they broke the law, but how dare anyone enforce it?” Perhaps launching these fiery advocates to negotiate with actual international crises would be the ticket — their resolve could very well persuade adversaries far and wide to sit up and pay attention.
Then there’s another spirited plea, pulling at the heartstrings with the imagery of families being torn apart. Yet, the irony lurks in reminders of proportionate judgment — have these advocates forgotten the liberal rallying cry from a few years back: “No one is above the law”? Maybe the statutes of logic have slipped their minds, much like a previous administration’s scandals.
We hear once more from the flamboyantly passionate protester, making sweeping statements about past territorial claims and grand declarations of sacrifice. But as history aficionados could tell you, shouting anachronistic land claims doesn’t really roll back centuries of established borders, even if they may hold a misplaced nostalgia for lands of yore. Despite the fervor, it’s unclear if such demonstrative antics are doing much to convert the skeptics rather than merely entertaining the choir.
Ultimately, it’s worth a nod to the unsung individuals at ICE who face these “tragicomedy” performances while sticking to their lawful mission. Now, if only we could bottle up this drama and send it as a cultural export—bonus points if it persuades without a single declaration of undying outrage. Until we crack that code, kudos to the folks managing to keep a steady course amidst the vocal fence-jumpers. Keep calm and carry on, they say. Well, being an ICE agent today might just about require sainthood—or at least a really good pair of metaphorical earplugs.
