#2 ¿Que pasó? with Señor B - week of 4/7

Update: TN Senate Passes Bill Targeting Undocumented Students

Last Thursday, the Tennessee Senate passed a bill requiring schools to verify students' immigration status. If enacted, this could allow schools to charge tuition to undocumented children or deny enrollment if unpaid. Opponents argue this violates the constitutional right to education established in Plyler v. Doe, while proponents cite the financial costs of educating these students. The bill faced protests during its hearing.

@senor_barragan

Don’t take it out on the children 😡 #tennessee #government #undocumentedimmigrants #education #breakingnews

70% of migrants deported to Salvadorian prison did not have criminal records

A controversial operation saw hundreds of migrants, largely Venezuelan, deported to El Salvador, but investigations revealed a reality far removed from targeting hardened criminals. Startlingly, around 90% of those removed had no U.S. criminal record. Even among a group of 238 specifically accused by officials of belonging to the Tren de Aragua gang, very few had actually faced serious charges stateside; most recorded offenses were minor and non-violent. Concerns also arose that some individuals were flagged based on superficial traits like tattoos or clothing rather than documented wrongdoing.

Deportations abruptly halted the legal processes for asylum seekers. Over twenty individuals with active cases and scheduled hearings were removed before their court dates, leaving judges bewildered when they failed to appear.

This operation controversially relied on the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, invoked without court review, triggering immediate challenges from civil rights groups over due process failures. Critics maintain that deporting people without proven criminality, particularly those actively seeking legal refuge, represents a fundamental violation of human rights. 

@senor_barragan

The lack of humanity is wild 😡 #venezuela #elsalvador #immigration #deportations

Mother and Children Swept Up in ICE Raid

A distressing raid unfolded recently on an upstate New York dairy farm when ICE agents, seeking an man via warrant, also arrested a mother and her three school-aged children (students in the 3rd, 10th, and 11th grades). This family endured the ordeal of nearly two weeks in detention before being abruptly released, reportedly without any clear official explanation for why they were held captive in the first place. Their freedom followed a powerful community support, where neighbors and advocates rallied together, putting significant pressure on government officials to secure their release.

The raid serves as a reminder of the profound fear and lasting trauma inflicted upon families, particularly children, subjected to such sudden enforcement actions and detention.

@senor_barragan

No one should have to go through this 😡 #immigration #newyork #🧊

Immigration Agents turned away from schools in Los Angeles

Officials at the Los Angeles Unified School District recently took a significant stand by refusing entry to federal agents who arrived wanting access to school grounds specifically to speak with migrant children. This wasn't just a random decision; it aligns with policies many large, diverse districts like LAUSD have in place designating schools as sensitive locations or "safe zones." These policies exist precisely to protect students' ability to learn without fear and to maintain trust with immigrant families, ensuring that fear of enforcement doesn't keep kids out of the classroom. Generally, access for law enforcement, especially for immigration matters, requires specific judicial warrants, not just a general request to enter and question students, particularly vulnerable minors.

LAUSD's action effectively blocked what could have been a deeply disruptive and frightening event for students. Allowing federal agents access to interview migrant children on campus could create significant trauma and anxiety, not just for those directly targeted but for the wider school community. While the agents' exact objectives weren't specified publicly (it could range from case follow-up to information gathering), attempting to use the school environment for such interactions is highly controversial. This incident underscores the ongoing conflict between federal immigration enforcement priorities and the protective measures enacted by local institutions like school districts trying to shield children and maintain a safe, focused learning environment. LAUSD essentially reaffirmed its stance that schools are primarily for education and safety, not for facilitating immigration enforcement actions targeting students.

@senor_barragan

Powerful words at the end #teachersoftiktok #education #losangeles #immigrantsmakeamericagreat