#19 ¿Que pasó? with Señor B - week of 8/4

Alligator Alcatraz Hunger Strike

For the past two weeks, a courageous group of migrants detained at the facility known as “Alligator Alcatraz” has been on a hunger strike. They are not asking for much, just basic human dignity. They are protesting the inhumane conditions and a lack of due process, fighting back against a system that has tried to silence them.

While officials are attempting to downplay the situation, painting a picture of a facility that is "under control," the reality on the ground is different. This hunger strike is a powerful act of protest, and it shines a spotlight on the human rights violations that are happening right now.

This is a critical moment for us to show up. We need to amplify their voices, bring awareness to their struggle, and show our support for those who are fighting for their basic rights.

Record All Interactions with Law Enforcement

A disturbing video has been circulating, serving as yet another chilling reminder of the power dynamics at play during police interactions. In the video, a police officer can be seen threatening a group of young men, telling them he would shoot them if they ran.

This kind of behavior is unacceptable and deeply concerning. It's a stark reminder that what happens in the streets isn't always what's reported. In this case, I believe the presence of a camera was what helped to keep those boys safe. It created a public record of the interaction, providing a layer of accountability that might not have existed otherwise.

It's a powerful lesson: in a world where some are quick to abuse their power, your phone can be your most important tool. For our own safety, and for the safety of those around us, it is more important than ever to know our rights and to document these encounters. Every recording is a step towards transparency and justice.

La Migra Removing Age Barriers to Hire More People

Kristi Noem, the Trump administration’s current Secretary of Homeland Security, has made it official: there is no longer an age cap for joining ICE. While the administration is trying to frame this as an opportunity to "protect families," we know that the reality is much more sinister. The majority of people swept up in ICE raids are not criminals; they are neighbors, workers, and students with deep ties to our communities.

This isn't about safety; it's part of a desperate and transparent campaign to ramp up ICE’s activities by recruiting greater numbers of people. They are appealing to both young adults, who can now join as early as 18, and older individuals. To attract them, they're offering benefits that most Americans can only dream of—signing bonuses of up to $50,000 and student loan forgiveness. This is a stark example of a system that rewards those who participate in tearing families apart, while the rest of us struggle to pay our bills.

The administration’s messaging is just as troubling. We've seen their propaganda, including a recent tweet from the DHS account with the slogan, "Defend your Culture." These are blatant, white-supremacist, divide-and-conquer tactics designed to normalize fear and hatred. We must not be fooled. Our fight is to expose these abuses and stand in solidarity with those targeted. Our community’s strength is our unity, and we must continue to fight back against this fear-mongering at every turn.

ICE Agents Borrowing Ideas From Known Racists - Trojan Horse

Federal agents, under the banner of a new initiative they've called "Operation Trojan Horse," were seen jumping out of a Penske rental truck to ambush day laborers in a Home Depot parking lot in Los Angeles.

This is a tactic we have unfortunately seen before. Just a few months ago, a different group—a white nationalist hate group—was banned by Penske for using their trucks in a similar fashion to transport members to rallies. The company rightfully condemned their actions, stating they "strictly prohibit the transportation of people in the cargo area."

So, did ICE borrow this tactic, or are they working from the same playbook? Either way, the message is clear: this is a tactic of deceit, intended to terrorize and trap people in our community.

The rental company, Penske, has officially denounced the use of their vehicles in this operation, stating they did not authorize it. This move by La Migra is not just a violation of a company's policy; it's a violation of human dignity and trust. It's a disgusting display of cruelty, using deceptive and underhanded methods against the most vulnerable among us. We must continue to expose these tactics and stand in solidarity with our community against these abuses.

Cultural Appropriation or Appreciation?

As many of you have seen, the fashion world is once again in the spotlight for cultural appropriation. This time, Adidas has collaborated with Mexican American designer Willy Chavarria on a new shoe. They've named it the "Oaxaca Slip-On," a design that is unmistakably a take on the traditional huarache, a sandal with deep roots in the indigenous communities of Oaxaca.

Chavarria stated he was trying to "pay homage" to his father's heritage. But when a multi-billion-dollar brand partners with a designer instead of working directly with the local shoemakers whose livelihoods depend on creating these very shoes, it calls into question the true impact of this "tribute." It feels less like homage and more like another instance of a big company exploiting a community's heritage for profit.

The backlash has been swift and has even reached the highest levels of government. The state of Oaxaca has threatened legal action, and President Sheinbaum has publicly stated that big companies often take products and ideas from indigenous communities without permission or compensation. She's called for Adidas to provide compensation to the people who were "plagiarized." Adidas has now reportedly reached out to Oaxacan officials to discuss how to "repair the damage."

This isn't just about a shoe; it's about justice and respect. This case is a critical reminder that our culture is not for sale, and our heritage is not a trend to be packaged and sold for profit.

Would love to know what you all think about this. Hit reply and share your thoughts.