Alligator Alcatraz, Speedway Slammer, Cornhusker Clink …
As this story goes to press, Lone Star Lockup becomes yet another mass detention site. The “Lockup” was formerly called Fort Bliss. In WWII it was used as a Japanese internment camp. During the Obama and Biden administrations, it became a holding place for unaccompanied migrant children. You may remember that an Inspector General Report faulted the democratic administration for the conditions under which children were held.
Thus the “Lockup” is a storied site of sorrow rather than “Bliss.” According to a Washington Post report, I.C.E. plans to expand detention capacity from 1,000 to 47,000. Yes, 47,000.
Before entering more deeply into the state’s 287 (g) agreement (see Note below) with I.C.E., Governor Cox should be fully aware of the scope, size, and conditions of these detention centers. Furthermore, he should act in accordance with U.S. civil rights law and be prepared to guarantee that all detainees have due process, access to a lawyer, and an ability to communicate with family while in detention. I.C.E. and those it deputizes should also be trained in the special rights of unaccompanied minors, i.e., children.
We would hope that the Governor directs I.C.E. to refrain from racial profiling either by appearance, language spoken or any other race-based assumptions. We also urge the Governor to honor our state’s reputation for opening its arms to refugees and those who want to become lawful citizens.
While the federal government is in the process of dissolving legal pathways to citizenship and to asylum and to temporary protected status, we appeal to the Governor to consider that many will be stranded in the United States, their status confounded. Or if deported, they may be deported into danger.
In short, we ask that our state honor the promise of America as articulated by Lady Liberty.
Please stand with us by contacting the governor’s office at https://cs.utah.gov/s/submit or 801-538-1000. Let the governor know that the Utah Hispanic community, which includes our friends and neighbors, is already traumatized and now more than ever needs our protection and support.
Note: For more information about 287 (g) agreements, see the Legal Section under Resources on the Our Community Cache Valley website. https://ourcommunitycachevalley.org/resources/
