Death is a subject that often evokes feelings of fear, sadness, and uncertainty. It is a natural part of life that we all must face eventually, yet it remains a topic that is often avoided or ignored. However, in recent years, death has taken on a new meaning in the United States, particularly for immigrants and their families.
The recent deportation policies implemented by the Trump administration have led to the deaths of many immigrants, both physically and metaphorically. One such case is that of Mahmoud Khalil, a 57-year-old Syrian man who was deported back to his home country after living in the United States for over 30 years. Khalil’s death serves as a poignant reminder of the necropolitics of Trump’s deportation regime.
Necropolitics, a term coined by Cameroonian philosopher Achille Mbembe, refers to the use of power and control over life and death. In the case of Trump’s deportation policies, it is the deliberate choice to deny immigrants the right to live and thrive in the United States. It is a form of violence that is directed towards those who are deemed as “undesirable” or “illegal” by the government.
Mahmoud Khalil’s story is a tragic example of this violence. He came to the United States in 1989 seeking asylum from the civil war in Syria. He settled in New York and built a life for himself, working hard as a cab driver and raising his two children. However, in 2018, he was detained by ICE and placed in a detention center for over a year before being deported back to Syria, a country he had not been to in over three decades.
Khalil’s deportation was a death sentence. He was sent back to a war-torn country where he had no family, no home, and no means to support himself. He was also suffering from several health issues, including diabetes and high blood pressure, which were not adequately treated while in detention. Just two weeks after his deportation, he passed away due to a heart attack.
Khalil’s death is not an isolated incident. It is a result of the inhumane policies put in place by the Trump administration, which have caused countless deaths and suffering for immigrants and their families. The fear and uncertainty caused by these policies have also taken a toll on the mental health of immigrants, leading to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide.
But death is not just a physical occurrence in this context. It is also a metaphor for the loss of dignity, rights, and humanity that immigrants experience under these policies. The constant threat of deportation and family separation has created a culture of fear and trauma in immigrant communities. It is a form of psychological violence that has lasting effects on the well-being of individuals and families.
The Trump administration’s justification for these policies is to protect American citizens and uphold the law. However, the reality is that these policies are rooted in xenophobia, racism, and a desire to maintain power and control. They are a direct attack on the values of compassion, diversity, and inclusivity that America claims to stand for.
Additionally, the deportation and detention of immigrants also serve as a profitable business for private companies that run detention centers. These companies have a financial incentive to keep the detention centers full, leading to the unjust and inhumane treatment of immigrants. It is a vicious cycle that prioritizes profit over human lives.
Mahmoud Khalil’s death is a reminder that the fight against these policies is a matter of life and death. It is a call to action for us to stand in solidarity with our immigrant brothers and sisters and demand an end to these inhumane practices. We must also hold our government accountable for the harm it has caused and push for comprehensive immigration reform that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals.
In conclusion, death is not just an inevitable part of life, but it is also a political tool used to oppress and control. The death of Mahmoud Khalil and many others like him is a result of the necropolitics of Trump’s deportation regime. It is a wake-up call for us to take a stand against these policies and fight for a more just and compassionate society. Let us honor the lives lost by working towards a future where death is not the point, but rather, the beginning of a better world for us all.
