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Mass Deportations, Political Scapegoating, and Resistance: A Conversation w/ Sofía Verónica Montez
On Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with Sofía Verónica Montez, Legal Fellow at Project South, to discuss mass deportations in the U.S. They broke down the systemic policies fueling displacement, the political scapegoating of immigrants, and the ways communities are resisting.
A Day Without Immigrants: Protest and Fear
The conversation began by reflecting on A Day Without Immigrants, a protest highlighting the economic contributions of immigrants. Montez emphasized that while many marched, fear prevented some from participating. “People are terrified of ICE, law enforcement, and border patrol,” Montez explained. The fear of deportation keeps many in a state of panic, unable to participate in everyday life.
Is This Moment Different? A Historical Perspective
Davey D noted that deportation crackdowns are nothing new. He recalled similar waves of anti-immigrant sentiment under past administrations. Montez agreed, pointing out that both Democrats and Republicans have expanded mass deportation policies.
“This is not a pendulum swing between Republican and Democrat,” Montez said. “It’s a historical escalation.”
The Economics of Deportation: A Money-Making Machine
Mass deportations aren’t just about politics; they are big business. Montez explained that the U.S. government contracts with private detention corporations like CoreCivic and GEO Group to fill immigrant detention centers. These companies profit from keeping detention beds occupied.
“If the beds aren’t filled, the government still pays them,” Montez revealed. “There is a financial incentive to increase detentions, not decrease them.”
Scapegoating Immigrants: Media and Political Propaganda
Montez and Davey D discussed the increasing spread of anti-immigrant propaganda on social media. Conservative media and political figures push the narrative that immigrants are responsible for crime and economic instability.
“This is intentional,” Montez explained. “It’s about dividing communities and creating an enemy.”
How States Are Escalating Immigration Crackdowns
State governments, particularly in the South, are expanding deportation powers beyond federal mandates. Montez pointed out examples of states taking extreme action:
Know Your Rights: Protecting Communities from ICE
Montez stressed the importance of Know Your Rights training. “ICE relies on people not knowing their legal protections,” they said.
Final Thoughts: Fighting Back Against the Deportation Machine
Montez urged listeners to stay informed, organized, and connected. “Immigrant rights are Black rights, labor rights, and human rights,” they said. The fight against mass deportations is part of a broader struggle against racial and economic oppression.
Listeners can follow Project South for more information on legal strategies and advocacy.
Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.
The post Mass Deportations, Political Scapegoating, and Resistance: A Conversation w/ Sofía Verónica Montez appeared first on KPFA.
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On Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with Sofía Verónica Montez, Legal Fellow at Project South, to discuss mass deportations in the U.S. They broke down the systemic policies fueling displacement, the political scapegoating of immigrants, and the ways communities are resisting.
A Day Without Immigrants: Protest and Fear
The conversation began by reflecting on A Day Without Immigrants, a protest highlighting the economic contributions of immigrants. Montez emphasized that while many marched, fear prevented some from participating. “People are terrified of ICE, law enforcement, and border patrol,” Montez explained. The fear of deportation keeps many in a state of panic, unable to participate in everyday life.
Is This Moment Different? A Historical Perspective
Davey D noted that deportation crackdowns are nothing new. He recalled similar waves of anti-immigrant sentiment under past administrations. Montez agreed, pointing out that both Democrats and Republicans have expanded mass deportation policies.
“This is not a pendulum swing between Republican and Democrat,” Montez said. “It’s a historical escalation.”
The Economics of Deportation: A Money-Making Machine
Mass deportations aren’t just about politics; they are big business. Montez explained that the U.S. government contracts with private detention corporations like CoreCivic and GEO Group to fill immigrant detention centers. These companies profit from keeping detention beds occupied.
“If the beds aren’t filled, the government still pays them,” Montez revealed. “There is a financial incentive to increase detentions, not decrease them.”
Scapegoating Immigrants: Media and Political Propaganda
Montez and Davey D discussed the increasing spread of anti-immigrant propaganda on social media. Conservative media and political figures push the narrative that immigrants are responsible for crime and economic instability.
“This is intentional,” Montez explained. “It’s about dividing communities and creating an enemy.”
How States Are Escalating Immigration Crackdowns
State governments, particularly in the South, are expanding deportation powers beyond federal mandates. Montez pointed out examples of states taking extreme action:
Know Your Rights: Protecting Communities from ICE
Montez stressed the importance of Know Your Rights training. “ICE relies on people not knowing their legal protections,” they said.
Final Thoughts: Fighting Back Against the Deportation Machine
Montez urged listeners to stay informed, organized, and connected. “Immigrant rights are Black rights, labor rights, and human rights,” they said. The fight against mass deportations is part of a broader struggle against racial and economic oppression.
Listeners can follow Project South for more information on legal strategies and advocacy.
Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.
The post Mass Deportations, Political Scapegoating, and Resistance: A Conversation w/ Sofía Verónica Montez appeared first on KPFA.