#3 ¿Que pasó? with Señor B - week of 4/14

Social Security Classifies Migrant as Dead to Make Them Self Deport

A recent report indicates that the Trump administration requested the Social Security Administration (SSA) to classify approximately 6,000 migrants as "deceased." This classification resulted in the affected individuals losing their ability to work, access bank accounts, and receive benefits. Notably, this group includes individuals who had legally entered the United States under the previous administration. The request aimed to encourage self-deportation. This action has sparked widespread concern regarding the legal and ethical implications, as well as the severe consequences for those impacted.

@senor_barragan

That’s a wild thing to do tbh #immigration #socialsecurity #immigrants #USA

Update on Kilmar Abrego: Senator Visits, But Release Delayed

There has been a significant development in the case of Kilmar Abrego, the Salvadoran man detained despite having protection from deportation. A U.S. Senator recently visited him in detention, a clear indication of the seriousness of his situation.  While this confirms his well-being, the crucial update is that Abrego remains in custody. He was detained based on unproven allegations of MS-13 affiliation, a claim his family and lawyers strongly deny. The fact that a Senator intervened underscores the concerns surrounding his detention, especially given his protected status. His continued confinement without public evidence is drawing criticism as inhumane, and sadly, his experience is not unique. The human rights conditions in Salvadorian prisons are shocking and include beatings and violence, food deprivation, overcrowding, and premature death. The fight for his release, and for a more just immigration system, continues.

This story also shows bias and unfairness coming straight from the white house. Here is a sample that really showcases this.

@senor_barragan

He needs to be back with his family 😔 #inmigracion #kilmarabregogarcia #elsalvador

FSU Campus Shooting and Media Portrayal

Florida State University (FSU) recently became the site of another tragic shooting incident. The garbage person that did this (that I am choosing not to name) has been confirmed by authorities to be neither a migrant nor transgender, as the Trump administration would want you to believe. The initial media coverage, particularly the circulation of photos depicting the gunman smiling alongside largely neutral descriptions, has prompted discussion. There is a harsh contrast in how individuals from marginalized backgrounds are often portrayed in similar situations, particularly when accused of violence.  

President seems to have no intention to alter existing gun laws in the United States, reportedly saying, "the shooting happens, the people do.” This stance has further fueled the ongoing debate surrounding gun control in the nation.

Adding another layer of heartbreak to this event, reports have emerged that some FSU students present during this shooting are also survivors of the Parkland High School shooting in Florida several years ago. This detail shows the repeated trauma that some individuals and communities have experienced due to gun violence, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to this persistent issue.

@senor_barragan

This is not normal #fsu #immigration #news #bipoc

Shocking Sentence Disparity Highlights Potential Bias

This week, a stark contrast in justice emerged. Two men convicted of the same crimes—manslaughter and DUI—received drastically different sentences: Clayton Neuhaus (Mercedes) got 1 month in jail and 10 years probation, while Juan Pablo Torres (McAllen) received 20 years in prison. While accountability is key, this disparity screams of potential systemic bias. Research from the National Immigration Project shows Black and Latinx individuals often face harsher legal outcomes for similar offenses compared to white individuals. This sentencing difference demands we confront whether equal justice truly exists for all.

@senor_barragan

Similar circumstances, wildly different sentencing. #texas #crime #justice #hispanic #latino