Woody Guthrie was famously known for his poignant and politically charged folk songs. His music was a reflection of the societal issues and struggles of his time. One of Guthrie’s most powerful songs, “Deportee (Plane Wreck at Los Gatos)”, tells the heartbreaking story of a tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of 32 people, including 28 Mexican migrant workers. This same plane crash, which took place in 1948, is now being commemorated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. But what is the true intention behind this memorial and how does it align with Guthrie’s message?
It is important to understand the background of this tragic event in order to fully grasp the significance of Guthrie’s song and the current ICE memorial. In 1948, a flight departing from Oakland, California, crashed in Los Gatos Canyon, just minutes after takeoff. On board were 28 Mexican farm workers, who were being deported by the U.S. government. These individuals, whose names were not even mentioned in the initial news reports, were simply referred to as “deportees” or “illegals”. This dehumanizing treatment of the victims sparked outrage and prompted Guthrie to pen his infamous song, “Deportee (Plane Wreck at Los Gatos)”.
Guthrie’s lyrics mourned the loss of the lives of these migrant workers and condemned the government’s lack of empathy towards them. He highlighted the heartbreaking reality that even in death, these individuals were not given the dignity of having their names known. The chorus of the song goes, “Goodbye to my Juan, goodbye Rosalita / Adios mis amigos, Jesus y Maria / You won’t have a name when you ride the big airplane / All they will call you will be deportee.” These powerful words continue to resonate with the struggles and mistreatment faced by immigrants today.
Fast forward to 2021, where ICE is now planning to erect a memorial in honor of the same plane crash that Guthrie sang about. On the surface, this may seem like a noble gesture to remember the lives lost. However, as we delve deeper, it becomes clear that this memorial serves a different purpose. According to ICE, the memorial aims to “honor the personnel lost and injured in the tragic crash while promoting public awareness of the challenges faced by ICE personnel and the dangers associated with the job”. The description of the memorial neglects to mention the names or identities of the victims, completely contradicting Guthrie’s message of giving these individuals the respect and recognition they deserve.
This decision by ICE to use a tragic event, which was a result of their own actions, as a tool to promote their own agenda is deplorable. It is a blatant attempt to dehumanize and vilify immigrants, and it completely goes against the message of unity and inclusion that Guthrie’s song stands for. It is appalling that nearly 73 years after the plane crash, the same government agency responsible for the tragedy continues to perpetuate the same dehumanizing treatment of immigrants.
Woody Guthrie’s legacy continues to live on through his powerful music, and his song “Deportee (Plane Wreck at Los Gatos)” is just as relevant today as it was in 1948. Guthrie wrote this song to shed light on the injustices faced by immigrants and to demand accountability from the government. Today, as we see history repeating itself with the actions of ICE, it is more important than ever to honor and amplify Guthrie’s message.
In his song, Guthrie sings, “All they will call you will be deportee”. However, through his music, these individuals will forever be remembered with their names and identities, not just as mere deportees. As we reflect on this tragic event and the current state of affairs in our society, let us not forget the powerful message and legacy that Woody Guthrie has left behind. Let us continue to stand in solidarity with immigrants and fight against the dehumanizing treatment of our fellow human beings.
