#11 ¿Que pasó? with Señor B - week of 6/9

¿El vandalismo en LA?

Lately, we've seen a lot of discussion around protests, especially in Los Angeles, and the inevitable topic of vandalism comes up. Let me be clear: I'm not someone who condones vandalism. Setting a car on fire or destroying property no es mi forma of trying to make a point.

However, it makes you stop and think, doesn't it? ¿Sabes qué? If people are more upset about property damage than they are about fundamental human rights being violated, then perhaps that's exactly the point the disruption is trying to highlight.

Protests, at their core, are meant to be a disruption. They're designed to shake the system, to force uncomfortable conversations, and to shine a bright light on issues that are often ignored. It's about making sure the message no se quede en el olvido.

And let's be real, no matter how people choose to protest, there will always be criticism. If they remain silent, they're called ungrateful . If they protest with aggression or intensity, they're immediately labeled as "thugs." It's a lose-lose scenario for those simply trying to be heard.

My main message to all of you, always: no importa lo que hagan (whatever you do), and however you choose to make your voice heard, please remember to stay safe. Your well-being is most important.

@senor_barragan

The narrative was going to be spun negative no matter what #losangeles #iceraid #protest #latino #latina

Who is looting at the protests?

Let's be very clear about something important: La gente que está looting are NOT the protesters.

We've all seen the videos, right? Like the ones circulating where you can literally see true protesters trying to protect businesses, trying to get the "bad doers" , the ones stealing and destroying property , out of there.

This isn't an isolated incident, by the way. Real protestors are trying to maintain integrity while others exploit the situation, happens more often than we think. I believe it's absolutely crucial to document these moments and call out who is really creating harm. It helps us differentiate and understand the true intentions behind the actions we see.

Hay que poner las cosas en claro. (We need to make things clear.) The focus needs to be on the message of the protest, not on the destruction caused by opportunists.

@senor_barragan

They even tried to get them out of there 🙏🏽 #losangeles #protests #looting #immigration #iceraids

Construction worker with legal status detained by ice

We're witnessing what feels like a very slippery slope here in the U.S. when it comes to people being detained. The latest example hitting the news? A construction worker, someone with legal status, was detained by ICE.

This isn't an isolated incident either. There are multiple examples surfacing of people who have every legal right to be here, who have their papers in order, and yet they're being detained. This begs the question: ¿Cuál es la razón para detenerlos? What's the real criteria here? Is it purely based on how someone looks? How exactly are these decisions being made out on the streets?

These agents are approaching people without showing warrants or even properly identifying themselves. That's a huge red flag.

Many of us have been saying this for a while, but it's clearer than ever: they are not only coming for the "bad criminals." If you are someone who can be perceived as a foreigner, regardless of your legal status, you need to be extremely careful and aware. Ponganse las pilas.

Stay informed, stay vigilant, and know your rights.

@senor_barragan

They’re acting like thugs 😡 #ice #iceraids #immigration #undocumentedimmigrants #humanrights #dueprocess

People pretending to be ICE

There have been instances reported of people impersonating ICE agents in order to pick up migrants. These people were going around and detaining people flashing fake badges. This is disgusting and we need to warn others so they are not victim to these inhumane actions.

In this video you will see photos of examples of impersonators. Please remember that if you are stopped by anyone:

1. Do not answer any of their questions

2. Do not open the door

3. Ask for their arrest warrant or documentation

Many cities across California have also been setting up hotlines for immigrants to call to receive free legal advice.

Here is an example from Santa Clara county.

@senor_barragan

Tengan cuidado #ice #lamigra #massdeportation #undocumentedimmigrants

No Human is Illegal!

This is an important one, familia. We need to talk about the language we use, especially when referring to migrants. It's time to educate ourselves and others to stop using the term "illegal" when we're talking about human beings. Así de simple.

These kinds of terms, like "illegal," have a dark history. They've been used for a long time to exclude and dehumanize groups of people. When you label someone as "illegal," it makes it so much easier to see them as "less than," as not fully human. And when people are seen as less than human, it, unfortunately, makes it easier to oppress them, to deny them basic rights, and to justify injustices against them.

So, what's a better way to refer to someone without legal documentation? There are several more accurate and respectful phrases we should be using: "undocumented," "non-citizen," or even "unauthorized." These terms focus on their legal status, not on their humanity or worth.

Let's be clear: this isn't just about being "politically correct" or being sensitive to "feelings." This is about something much deeper. This is about protecting a vulnerable group of people from future injustices, from continued oppression, and from the dehumanization that often leads to real harm. Hay que ser conscientes de nuestras palabras. Our language has power, and we need to use it responsibly.

@senor_barragan

Words matter 🤘🏽 choose em wisely #undocumentedimmigrants #immigration #nohumanisillegal