This spring, we criticized the US government’s efforts to deport Mahmoud Khalil, a legal resident targeted for his political views. Khalil’s case is ongoing, but recent events reflect a troubling shift in the US, where federal agents, likely from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), are conducting aggressive raids. These operations involve racial profiling, and result in mass arrests without warrants, affecting individuals of all immigration statuses, including US citizens. The response from these agents to peaceful protests has been excessively violent, raising concerns about the nation’s democratic status and indicating a move toward a hybrid regime of democracy and autocracy.
While this situation prompts fear and paralysis, many Americans are mobilizing in response, forming mutual aid networks and physically confronting ICE agents to protect their communities. Individuals witnessing ICE actions are encouraged to intervene, as public resistance can deter abusive practices. Advocacy at local and state levels remains vital, with some officials taking steps to limit ICE’s reach.
Amidst these developments, the Trump administration has labeled protestors as antifa, a broad term that covers diverse political ideologies, complicating the narrative. While we advocate for nonviolent resistance, those opposing government overreach should embrace the antifa designation, as resisting the rise of fascism is a critical challenge of our time.
