On the evening of July 17, 2020, Portland, Oregon was once again the scene of violence and tragedy. Border Patrol agents, tasked with enforcing immigration policies, shot and injured two individuals during a routine stop. This incident came just one day after another ICE agent in Minneapolis fatally shot Renee Nicole Good, further adding to the growing concern over the use of force by immigration enforcement agents.
According to reports, the Border Patrol agents were conducting a traffic stop when they encountered two individuals who they suspected were undocumented immigrants. What was meant to be a routine stop quickly escalated into a chaotic and dangerous situation. The agents claimed that the individuals were resisting arrest and that they were forced to use their weapons in self-defense. However, witnesses and video footage of the incident tell a different story.
Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that the individuals were complying with the agents’ orders and were not a threat. In fact, one of the individuals, identified as Jose Gaspar, was shot in the back multiple times as he was trying to run away from the agents. The other individual, Maria Hernandez, was also shot and injured. Both were taken to the hospital and are expected to survive. This excessive use of force by the agents is deeply concerning and raises questions about their training and protocols.
This incident has sparked outrage and protests in Portland, with many calling for a full investigation into the actions of the Border Patrol agents. The shooting has also reignited the debate on the role of immigration enforcement agencies and their use of force. The recent increase in aggressive tactics and violence by these agencies has caused fear and mistrust in immigrant communities, who are already vulnerable and marginalized.
Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. It is just one of many instances where immigration enforcement agents have used excessive force against individuals, resulting in injury or death. The fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis is another tragic example of the consequences of this aggressive approach to immigration enforcement.
The use of deadly force should always be a last resort, and only in situations where there is an immediate threat to the safety of the agents or the public. It is alarming that in both of these incidents, the individuals were not armed and were not posing a threat to anyone. This raises serious questions about the training and accountability of these agents, and the need for reform within immigration enforcement agencies.
The fact that these incidents occurred in liberal cities like Portland and Minneapolis is a stark reminder that the issue of immigration and the treatment of immigrants is not limited to border states. It is a national issue that requires immediate attention and action from our leaders.
In the midst of a global pandemic and a national reckoning on racial injustice, it is more important than ever to address the systemic issues within our immigration system. The use of excessive force by immigration enforcement agents is a symptom of a broken and inhumane system that needs to be reformed.
We must also acknowledge the impact of these incidents on immigrant communities. The fear and trauma caused by these aggressive tactics can have long-lasting effects on individuals and families. It is time for our leaders to listen to the voices of these communities and take action to ensure their safety and well-being.
As we continue to demand justice for Jose Gaspar, Maria Hernandez, and Renee Nicole Good, we must also demand accountability and reform within our immigration enforcement agencies. The use of excessive force must not be tolerated, and those responsible must be held accountable for their actions.
In the words of Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, “We cannot allow federal officers to commit violence against peaceful protesters and citizens in our city.” This sentiment should also extend to immigration enforcement agents who are tasked with protecting and serving our communities.
We must come together as a nation to address the issues within our immigration system and work towards a more just and humane approach. We owe it to the victims of these senseless acts of violence, and we owe it to ourselves as a society. Let us use this tragedy as a catalyst for change and strive towards a better and more inclusive future for all.
