Terror is alive in U.S.

Font Size:

By Loxi Hopkins | Thursday, May 01, 2008 | 51 comment(s)

I just returned from the National Commission on ICE Misconduct and Violations of Fourth Amendment Rights hearings in Des Moines.

As an advocate for comprehensive immigration reform, I felt I was pretty informed on what was happening around the country, but I was stunned by the testimony of the 13 witnesses.

During the raids of the Swift plants in Iowa and Colorado, U.S. citizens were detained by armed agents dressed in black.

The people who testified were clearly not recent immigrants by the color of their skin and accents. One woman who had worked at the Swift plant for 19 years said at one point there were 50 or 60 armed guards surrounding them. She testified to the terror she felt and later the anger.

A U.S. veteran testified to being held for hours, not being allowed to drink, eat or use the bathroom. His concerned wife testified that when she called the plant several times because of concerns for her husband’s health, she was told if she called again she would be arrested.

A teenager talked of being left with the care of her young brother and sister and telling them their mother wouldn’t be coming home.

These people were not allowed legal assistance or to speak with their religious leaders, all who were outside the plant trying to speak to the people being held prisoner inside.

As I listened to the horror stories, I felt so ashamed that a part of our government could treat anyone like they treated these workers. I realized for the first time that we aren’t really free.

Loxi Hopkins

Davenport