#13 ¿Que pasó? with Señor B - week of 6/23

What’s up with the Ontario Mayor?

During a recent town hall meeting in Ontario, comments made by Mayor Paul Leon left many in the community feeling uneasy and dismissed. According to attendees, Mayor Leon, who is also Hispanic, appeared to downplay fears surrounding la migra. He stated that he is Hispanic, and pointed at other people that fit that description, and that they were not afraid of Ice.

He made statements suggesting that if people just “behave” nothing would go wrong which struck many the wrong way. For someone who holds a position of leadership and is part of the community, such words show a significant lack of understanding and empathy for the real fears and vulnerabilities that many residents face daily, regardless of their legal status.

It's critical for leaders, especially those from within our own communities, to be mindful and careful with every word they utter. Dismissing legitimate fears and placing the burden of safety solely on individuals' "behavior" ignores the systemic complexities and anxieties that define many families' lives. When individuals in positions of power push perspectives like this, they disconnect from the very people they are meant to serve. Hispanic or not, such stances should not receive our support or silence.

@senor_barragan

He really said people are not intelligent #undocumentedimmigrants #ontariocalifornia #ice #immigration #lamigra

La Migra showing up at a Healthcare Facility

This week, disturbing reports emerged from Riverside, California, where ICE agents were reportedly seen at a local hospital. According to protestors and confirmed by some hospital staff, ICE agents were waiting outside the facility, seemingly intending to detain and deport individuals seeking medical care.

This is a horrifying breach of trust and a direct threat to public health. Health is a fundamental human right, and every person in the U.S. should be able to access the medical help they need without the paralyzing fear of deportation. When ICE targets sensitive locations like hospitals, it not only creates an inhumane chilling effect; deterring people from seeking life-saving treatment, but also undermines the very purpose of healthcare institutions as safe havens.

This incident is another distressing example of ICE agents operating in unmarked vehicles and, according to protestors, without warrants, sowing fear and wreaking havoc on our communities. It's a stark reminder that it is our collective responsibility to keep our communities safe and push back against tactics that prioritize enforcement over human well-being.

Remember your rights: If confronted by ICE, you have the right to refuse to answer questions and to demand to see a judicial warrant signed by a judge. Do not be intimidated. Knowing your rights is your first line of defense.

@senor_barragan

Holding pregnant migrants in facilities like these is horrible #immigration #undocumentedimmigrants #ice #detentioncenter

Immigration Detention Centers Unsafe Conditions

A recent investigation by WIRED magazine is shining horrifying light on the conditions within immigration detention facilities. Supporting countless rising claims, the investigation analyzed hundreds of phone records made from inside the 10 largest facilities, revealing a consistent pattern of terrible conditions and severely delayed access to necessary medical services.

The calls paint a sad picture→ reports of serious medical incidents, neglect, extreme overcrowding, and overall horrible living conditions. A particularly heart-wrenching example cited was of a woman, four months pregnant, who arrived at a medical facility bleeding and in pain. Shockingly, the nurse on the phone stated that they lacked the necessary equipment to properly assess her urgent condition.

These deteriorating conditions are a direct consequence of the surge in arrests by ICE officers around the country, which have risen a staggering 48% since last January. This rapid increase has led to severe overcrowding, pushing these facilities far beyond their capacity to provide humane care.

The human cost of these ramped-up raids and the subsequent detention is clear, unacceptable, and will only continue to worsen if left unaddressed. It is imperative that we recognize the profound suffering occurring behind these walls and demand accountability for the well-being and rights of every individual in custody.

@senor_barragan

Please be careful documenting out there #immigratiom #ice #iceagent #raids

New ICE Tactics: Don't Fall for the Deception

We have seen video evidence of new, deceptive tactics being used by la migra to detain migrants. These methods are designed to mislead and pressure individuals into making decisions that could severely jeopardize their future.

In the video, a Hispanic woman identified as an ICE officer was seen telling a migrant woman that if she signed certain documents, she would be able to stay with her child and receive papers. The migrant, clearly distressed, asked if she would indeed get papers after this, her sadness could be heard in her voice. The officer even threatened that if she didn't sign, she would be taken away.

This is a critical warning: ICE agents DO NOT have the power to give people documents or legal status. Their role is enforcement. Any promise of "papers" in exchange for signing documents is a deeply misleading tactic aimed at gaining compliance.

Signing paperwork without a lawyer present can be incredibly damaging for individuals. These documents often waive critical rights or could even be voluntary departure orders that lead directly to deportation and being barred from re-entry, without the person truly understanding the consequences.

Please, stay safe. If confronted by ICE, remember your rights: do not sign anything without consulting with a trusted immigration lawyer, and do not trust promises made by agents regarding your immigration status or documents. Your silence and insisting on legal counsel are your strongest protections.

@senor_barragan

No firmen nada sin un abogado! #ice #lamigra #deportations #iceraids #undocumentedimmigrants #immigrants

Everyone is Protected

There's a lot of misinformation circulating, with some individuals claiming that migrants are not protected by the U.S. Constitution. It's crucial to remember and share this truth: everyone in the United States, regardless of immigration status, has rights and is protected by the Constitution.

These protections apply to all individuals on U.S. soil and are fundamental to our legal system. Knowing and asserting these rights can make a significant difference in interactions with authorities.

To help spread this vital information, I've created a video in Spanish. It's a clear and concise reminder of these constitutional protections. Please share this video widely with your Spanish-speaking friends, family, and community members. Empowering our community with knowledge is one of the strongest defenses we have.

@senor_barragan

Pasen la voz 🤘🏽 #latino #latina #lamigra #deportaciones #inmigracion #derechos