By John Q. Hosedrinker 
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is broadening its arrest practices, targeting individuals connected to those they already consider criminals. This expansion comes amid protests against immigration raids in the Los Angeles area, with the government also focusing on people aiding protesters or identifying ICE agents. These actions follow a federal judge’s order to halt indiscriminate ICE raids, specifically criticizing the use of appearance or occupation as a basis for arrest. Now, those accused of assisting anti-ICE activities are facing prosecution or investigation, as seen in the indictment of a man who distributed face shields to protesters. This broadening of what is considered criminal activity also includes the investigation of individuals providing information about ICE agents.
Read the original article here
Feds Criminalize Aiding Protests Against ICE
It seems like things are taking a concerning turn with the recent actions regarding protests against ICE. The core issue appears to be an expansion of the definition of criminal activity, specifically to include forms of protest and any assistance provided to protesters responding to ICE actions. Essentially, conduct that was previously considered legal is now being labeled as criminal.
The rationale being put forth, or at least the justification being offered, is that anyone suspected of “aiding illegal immigrants” – which would encompass those protesting against ICE or supporting such protests – will be subject to arrest. The alleged crime? “Aiding criminals.” And who are the “criminals?” According to this new framework, it’s the illegal immigrants. The manner in which they are supposedly aided is by protesting their arrest or detention. This raises serious questions about the fundamental right to protest and freedom of speech.
This is really where things get dicey. If peaceful protest itself is considered illegal, it removes a crucial avenue for dissent and the exercise of First Amendment rights. Some comments even suggested that the focus on this issue, while other issues, like gun control, are seemingly not prioritized is concerning. It’s hard not to wonder what other rights might be eroded if this trend continues.
The underlying implication is a shift toward autocracy, a rapid movement away from the principles of freedom and democracy. Some comments directly drew parallels to historical events, like the Reichstag fire in 1933, where civil liberties were quickly abolished, paving the way for the suppression of political opponents. The potential for abuse of power is quite apparent here.
The language being used by ICE, such as the statement, “I think we all know that criminals tend to hang out with criminals,” seems to be a blatant attempt to discredit protesters by association. This is a dangerous tactic, reminiscent of “guilt by association” which undermines the idea of innocent until proven guilty. It seems like it doesn’t matter that ICE doesn’t have the power to write their own laws.
The Constitution is pretty clear on the right to peaceably assemble and petition the government for a redress of grievances. The actions being discussed seem to directly contradict these enshrined rights. Many people feel that it’s not a crime to protest or provide lawful assistance to protestors.
The implications are significant. If the government can criminalize support for protests, what’s to stop them from declaring entire groups of people, or any behavior they dislike, as illegal or criminal? This also raises the question of what other actions could be considered “aiding and abetting”, for example, the lack of investigation into Trump’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
The sentiment is growing that this is a very concerning overreach of power and an attack on fundamental rights. The feeling of some is that it’s a blatant attempt to silence dissent and intimidate those who would speak out against ICE policies. It feels like the stage is being set for potential armed conflict and the erosion of democratic processes.