Make every day count
17 April 2025
Today, any one of us could be detained by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and sent to El Salvador’s CECOT prison — a facility infamous for its harsh conditions and from which few ever return. This is already happening to people who haven’t committed any crimes, haven’t been charged and haven’t had the opportunity to defend themselves.
Former President Donald Trump has expressed interest in expanding these deportations, even suggesting that U.S. citizens who commit violent crimes should be sent to El Salvador. In a recent conversation with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, Trump reportedly joked that they’d need “five more” mega-prisons to handle the influx. His administration has already deported individuals to CECOT, and he’s said they’re exploring "legal" methods to send American citizens there, too (APNews.com).
What’s most alarming is that Trump doesn’t seem to require actual evidence to take action — just belief. That belief can be based on a social media post, a rumor, or the whims of a deeply unstable mind. His inner circle is filled with loyalists who enable his worst impulses and show little regard for law or morality.
We must urgently shift our focus toward defending democracy and actively resisting Trump and the Republican officials who enable him. Here are a few actionable ideas:
Set Up ICE Spotters: Similar to Israel’s missile alert systems, communities could organize networks to alert each other when ICE is conducting raids, so people have time to find safety.
Identify and Boycott Complicit ICE Employees: Publicly list employees who are involved in unconstitutional detentions. While they may claim to be "just following orders," that defense does not hold up — morally or legally. In a future administration, many may face criminal and civil consequences. For now, they should be called out, shunned, and encouraged to resign.
Hold DOJ Lawyers Accountable: Department of Justice lawyers aiding in unconstitutional deportations must be reported to their state bar associations for investigation and potential disbarment. They swore to uphold the Constitution — not to serve a political leader. Until justice catches up, we can pressure them to resign and ensure their actions do not go unnoticed.
Are any of these steps already being taken? I’m willing to help implement them but can’t do it alone. Is anyone else organizing or interested in taking action?
The index to my prior essays (mostly post 5 November 2024) is here.
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