The column below reflects the views of the author, and these opinions are neither endorsed nor supported by WisOpinion.com.
I had the misfortune of watching a video of ICE agents pummeling a Hispanic gentleman for the crime of cutting grass at an IHOP in California. He ran to his truck to get his ID or perhaps to get away. He was all of 5′ 7″ and 150 pounds. Four ICE agents forced him to the ground while one pounded the back of his head with his fist as the others held him down. They had previously pepper-sprayed him. When he struggled to be place in an unmarked vehicle, the ICE agent placed his baton across the back of his neck and violently shoved him down into the vehicle.
The ICE agents, seven in all, were masked, armed and wearing protective vests. They displayed no warrant, nor did they seek his identification. They simply sprayed him, out numbered him and proceeded to pummel him. Anyone watching this who did not get sick to their stomach is in the wrong country. Turns out this gentleman is a gardener, probably here for years without citizenship, and has raised three sons who are United States Marines.
Twenty-four hours later, his son found him in a detention center. He had not received medical care for a possible dislocated shoulder, nor had he been given food or water. This is not what Trump announced during his campaign would be his immigration policy.
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This man it is believed has no criminal record, yet Steven Miller, White House Deputy Chief of Staff, has set his sights on deporting 11 million immigrants. Miller separated 5,500 immigrant children from their parents during the first Trump term to send a message that if you crossed the border with children they would be taken from you.
That cruelty wasn’t enough for Miller, as now apparently there aren’t enough immigrant criminals [murderers, gang members, rapists and drug dealers] to satisfy his deportation thirst, so he is sending ICE to gather up every immigrant they see. Detain them, deport them and ask questions later.
This is not the American way most of us were brought up to live. This is the Steven Miller way. This is sadistic cruelty at its worst. This is the worst abuse of power our government has employed against innocent people in modern times.
The Wisconsin GOP in Congress has an obligation to stop it, but they look the other way. They are as guilty of pummeling this man as the ICE agents because they lack the courage and the moral decency to protect the most vulnerable among us.
They refuse to do the right thing, the moral thing they took an oath to stand up for.
– Hanson, of Elkhorn, is a member of the Walworth County Democratic Party.
