As the weekend rolls around, it seems like there’s yet another wave of protests at various Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities around the country. In Chicago, the scenario is grim, with tensions running high and several arrests following confrontations with police officers. The seriousness at the Broadview facility couldn’t be more evident, with 21 injuries reported among the police officers. It’s a pressing question: are things getting worse, and why isn’t anyone paying attention to these cops getting hurt?
Meanwhile, in Portland, Oregon, the scene appeared to take a turn for the bizarre. Protesters, rather than picking up banners or engaging in the usual shouts of dissent, opted for what could humorously be described as an aerobics class straight out of the 1980s. At least on this front, one can hope their form of protest will remain light-hearted instead of stones and bricks being thrown at officers. It’s perhaps a glimpse at what frustration looks like when mixed with neon leggings and exercise bands.
Diving into the crux of these perpetual protests, it is apparent that certain court decisions only add more fuel to the fire. Be it releasing criminals with arrest orders or restricting the use of defensive tactics and non-lethal forces, these court rulings seem to leave enforcement agencies fighting with one hand tied behind their backs. But as much as some groups protest, ICE remains resolute. Their operations continue, with arrests being made daily. Protests might slow them, but they won’t stop them.
As if to reinforce that point, federal agents are making plans to deploy to multiple cities, including Charlotte, much to the curiosity, perhaps disdain, of local citizens. The site of beefed-up federal presence isn’t to intimidate but ensure local safety. Sanctuary cities face a unique problem when public safety threats are being released daily, an issue that can hardly be swept under the rug any longer. So, the plan seems simple enough: increase ICE and Border Patrol presence in major cities to tackle this problem head-on.
And speaking of sanctuary states, California finds itself in the spotlight as it moves to revoke 17,000 commercial driver’s licenses previously issued to immigrants. The decision has raised some eyebrows, particularly in how the licenses were handed out in the first place. Here lies an unexpected dilemma; if Californians thought having drivers who might not fully grasp English was a fine idea, perhaps the sudden reversal reflects a bit of rushed thinking on their part. As some wag might say, if you’re going to be reckless, at least expect a wreck. And with concerns about the safety of Mexican trucks crossing the border, it’s high time someone ensures our roads remain safe for everyone.
