Americans value human rights.This principle has been ignored and eroded repeatedly during the Trump Administration. Recently we observed this in Minnesota when American citizens were shot, and a 5 year-old was arrested with his father. These cases came to our attention quickly, but they are only the tip of the “ICEberg.”
Renee Good and Alex Pretti’s deaths were recorded on camera by witnesses. It’s alarming how quickly the Administration’s defensive lies proliferated. Anyone who objectively views the videos sees hasty, brutal actions taken by aggressive ICE agents.
Preschooler Liam Ramos, on his way home from school, was seized by ICE agents who also seized his father, without legal reason to do so. Both were flown to Texas to a prison where children are held in detention. The agents cruelly removed his much loved hat and backpack. Liam was confused, afraid, had no appetite and did not sleep well. A court order secured their release, yet Liam had already been traumatized.
In all cases, the Trump Administration and their allies jumped to the defense of the ICE agents before the facts were even known, blaming the victims, disseminating false “information” without evidence in an effort to establish “facts” ahead of investigation. The cruelty and irresponsibility of the Administration is evident: defensive posturing rather than words of solace for the families affected by loss of their loved ones.
We must not turn our backs and think, “Well, that was Minnesota. That has nothing to do with us.” Actually, it has everything to do with us because whenever anyone’s human rights are threatened we are all threatened, which now brings us to Ohio, home for over 600,000 immigrants.
Since November Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has been threatening to deport thousands of Haitians who live and work in Springfield, Ohio, despite their protected status. There are also many Haitian children. Noem’s accusations against Haitians have been ignorant, racist, hatefully worded and in line with the Trump Administration’s vulgarities regarding the Haitian people.
In December U.N. Secretary General António Guterres described the conditions in Haiti as critical: “Violence has intensified and expanded geographically, exacerbating food insecurity and instability as transitional governance arrangements are near expiry and overdue elections remain urgent.”
Fortunately, U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes issued a stay, ruling that Noem has not sufficiently examined conditions in Haiti. I commend Governor DeWine, a Springfield native, who has said “The facts on the ground in Haiti indicate it’s a worse situation there than it’s ever been before.” In light of what we are witnessing in Minnesota and elsewhere, it is quite possible that our government could move quickly to deport Ohio’s Haitians.
What can we do? Tens of thousands of Minneapolis citizens have come together to protect their immigrant neighbors and their children, providing food, escorting them to medical appointments and assuring that their rights are protected. Let’s follow their impressive example and step up to defend human rights in Ohio.
Miriam Dean-Otting
Gambier, Ohio