The conversation began by reflecting onA Day Without Immigrants, a protest highlighting the economic contributions of immigrants. Montez emphasized that while many marched, fear prevented some from participating. People are terrified of ICE, law enforcement, and border patrol, Montez explained. The fear of deportation keeps many in a state of panic, unable to participate in everyday life.
Is This Moment Different? A Historical Perspective
Davey D noted that deportation crackdowns are nothing new. He recalled similar waves of anti-immigrant sentiment under past administrations. Montez agreed, pointing out that both Democrats and Republicans have expanded mass deportation policies.
UnderPresident Obama, over3 million peoplewere deported, earning him the titleDeporter-in-Chief.
Donald Trumpintensified anti-immigrant rhetoric, but his first-term deportation numbers were lower than Obamas.
Joe Bidenhas continued the trend, reinforcing mass deportation policies rather than dismantling them.
This is not a pendulum swing between Republican and Democrat, Montez said. Its a historical escalation.
The Economics of Deportation: A Money-Making Machine
Mass deportations arent just about politics; they arebig business. Montez explained that the U.S. government contracts with private detention corporations likeCoreCivicandGEO Groupto fill immigrant detention centers. These companies profit from keeping detention beds occupied.
If the beds arent filled, the government still pays them, Montez revealed. There is a financial incentive toincrease detentions, not decrease them.
Scapegoating Immigrants: Media and Political Propaganda
Montez and Davey D discussed the increasing spread of anti-immigrant propaganda on social media. Conservative media and political figures push the narrative that immigrants are responsible for crime and economic instability.
Stories linkingVenezuelan migrantsto crime are amplified, despite no real evidence.
Social media algorithms nowpromote anti-immigrant content, making it appear more popular than it actually is.
Some immigrants, particularly those from wealthier backgrounds, support Trump due toanti-communist fearsandproximity to whiteness.
This is intentional, Montez explained. Its aboutdividing communities and creating an enemy.
How States Are Escalating Immigration Crackdowns
State governments, particularly in the South, areexpanding deportation powersbeyond federal mandates. Montez pointed out examples of states taking extreme action:
Texas:Governor Greg Abbott hasdeclared immigration an emergency, using his powers to expand deportations.
Mississippi & Arizona:Laws nowpenalizeanyone who helps undocumented migrants, including providing water.
Georgia:Brought in migrant workers for1996 Olympics construction, only toturn against them later.
Know Your Rights: Protecting Communities from ICE
Montez stressed the importance ofKnow Your Rightstraining. ICE relies on people not knowing their legal protections, they said.
Never open the doorfor ICE without ajudicial warrant(most ICE warrants arenotlegally binding).
Do not answer questionsor provide any personal information without a lawyer present.
Record encountersand spread information to others in your community.
Final Thoughts: Fighting Back Against the Deportation Machine
Montez urged listeners to stayinformed, organized, and connected. Immigrant rights areBlack rights, labor rights, and human rights, they said. The fight against mass deportations is part of a broader struggle againstracial and economic oppression.
Listeners can followProject Southfor more information on legal strategies and advocacy.