I’ve been witnessing this chaos and horror in Charlotte all week, affecting my community in a way I never dreamed would be allowed. I am so grateful and humbled by this post because sometimes it seems that we are not making any kind of positive impact. Thank you 💙💙.
Not a single act of protest or solidarity is wasted. Every bit of transparency and decency helps the next place — and the last one — to make the right choices without which the rest of us cannot live. We salute your courage and steadfastness.
“Injustice in one place threatens justice everywhere.” —Martin Luther King, Jr.
Yes, exactly!!! We, The People, Stand Together, no matter where we are (I'm in Northern Nevada). I'm so glad that the people of Charlotte could take strength from the people of Chicago, and other places!!! We. Are. *Not* 1930's Germany!!! We *Will* Overcome. The. trump-Tyranny!!!
Darkness before the light. These abuses have brought Americans together in such a powerful way, fighting against intolerance, fighting for our neighbors regardless of the color of their skin or their accents but recognizing the content of their character. I feel hope for our future.
If that were true, it would already be perceptible among the American elite. Only on platforms like this one do you hear enlightened comments. Outside of here lies the bitter truth, from corporate elites through the press (check out The Washington Post), all working to accommodate the Democrats.
"Aceituno said he voted for Trump but now concedes, “It was the worst decision of my life.”
This sentence identified the true source of Trump destruction of democracy and decency. Those who chose him over Harris. Why did he do so knowing that Mr. Trump's illegal action on Jan 6.? I am glad he is learning a precious lesson.
I live one hour outside Charlotte and sought out a Charlotte friend for news. She said there are videos of violence and arrests of protestors. Protestors have organized a campaign to drive their cars to honk at and follow CBP. These masked agents have pinned in the protest drivers, made them stop, smashed in their car windows, dragged them out of their cars, thrown them to the ground and arrested them. Taken to unknown locations. Protestors.
I’m going to a protest outside of Charlotte on Saturday.
Can't wait for these American Gestapo folks are brought before Nurenburg-like tribunals. And they have no immunity, unlike the war criminal Trump. The Supreme Court is complicit in every lawless activity by Trump. But Trump has no immunity to any charges the ICC plans to raise.
You know, that is one of my biggest fears; that once again new leadership will say "let's look forward" and do nothing to pursue/punish these criminals.
This country doesn't recognize the ICC. Maybe after this fiasco, we should. A Nuremberg II senario would be appropriate. There must be consequences for attempting to destroy a country.
Yes! Please everyone, put signs in your yards and windows that say, 'WE THE PEOPLE". We must show them how many of US see what they are doing to put a stop to it!!!
They are now in Nebo, Marion, Hickory, Blowing Rock, undoubtedly planning to harass Asheville. My town has a large population of Hispanics/Latinos. This is cruel.
Not to mention that we are just starting to recoup our tourism after Helene damage
Indivisible of Catawba County just organized a protest in Hickory tomorrow noon. They say what you report which is that the raids have moved to Hickory and surrounding counties. I’m leaning on their strength and will join them tomorrow.
We were told last night, according to sheriffs' dept, that they have left Marion. I find that very questionable. Wondering if they are telling sheriffs & local police they are finished here to trick people into coming out. Centro Unido seems to believe it, though. Like goddamned roaches scurrying when the lights are turned on.
WE THE PEOPLE are paying through the nose for all of what is happening! AND it must stop!!! WE must give them a dose of their own medicine and show them OUR power!!!
He is such a good man and a fighter. I'm sure he and Gov Stein are looking at all options. He has been involved in several lawsuits already to protect dept of education funds, medicaid, AI protections at state levels, etc.
As a life long North Carolinian, I would have no problem with PROFESSIONAL ICE OFFICERS quietly finding and sending criminals back to their own countries, but these raids and the intimidation of citizens by brutaality has to stopped. I hope ICE agents doing this work are prosecuted. I hope these brutes enjoy their money. If you are so tough, take off your mask and join the MMA. ICE is giving all law enforcement a bad name. Good on NC. Take no shit.
Please note that Gov. Pritzger has stated that they are taking names, and when the regime changes, those people will be prosecuted. During protests, people with better cameras should zoom in on on the names of masked CPB officers, and write down those names
Governor Pritzker is making a good move. Prosecuting these thugs for crimes within the state, in state courts. Trump has jurisdiction over the federal system. He has no authority over state-committed crimes, so cannot pardon the offenders.
And I am so sick of the cult online saying "oh just roll down your window" or "if you are legal you have nothing to fear". I want to see them FAFO how all this is going to negatively impact their lives, their finances in the near future.
I think many of us feel just as you do Sam! Well said!! I have always been thankful for our local law enforcement officers and state patrolmen. Their jobs are tireless and can be so very difficult and dangerous. You are so right about ICE making law enforcement look bad. I am worried that young people will not consider careers in law enforcement because of this. The masks and no ID or body cams has to be addressed state by state with legal actions!!! Some judges have demanded that ICE wear ID and body cams and NO MASKS!!!
ICE/CPB have destroyed decades of public trust. I wouldn't blame anyone who doesn't trust law enforcement, especially those who are in the targeted groups.
I hear you Robot. I live in an area with several Proud Boys and it is noticeable how the local Sheriffs ignore their noisy trucks and general disturbing of the peace. I have seen one Sheriff wearing a red MAGA cap on his days off. UGH!
This is not a new problem but it has been ignored. Sheriff departments particularly in the west are a problem. In 2020 the Brennan Center for Justice released a report “Hidden in Plain Sight: Racism, White Supremacy, and Far-Right Militancy in Law Enforcement”.
For years the Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks white supremacy and other hate and anti-government groups, has been sounding the alarm of white supremacist in filtration in police forces snd the military. In 2020 they addressed Congress and stated “…the Southern Poverty Law Center has been documenting white supremacist infiltration of the military and urging officials to take substantial and systematic action since 1986. It is now clear that, despite some adjustments in policies related to recruitment and conduct within the U.S. Armed Forces, white supremacist activity continues to persist in the military.”
One more thing we need to force elected officials to address - in addition to SCOTUS, Citizen’s United, corporate power - when this is finally over.
Thank you for speaking up about this infiltration problem in police departments and the military!!! Yes, it has been a problem for years. Sadly, currently in our military it is from the very top that is most concerning with DJT and Hegseth. Locally it tends to be a few individual officers, but in some small towns/counties in the state there are a few police chiefs who are openly defying laws as they see fit, regarding guns and women and on and on. With money getting tight at all levels of the government, some of these people are ignored rather than confronted. Not good! Than of course there is Pam Bondi, Cash Patel and Kristi Noem!?!? UGH!!! Thank you for reminding me of the Brennan Center and The Southern Poverty Law Center!!! Always good to know of such people with a proven track record of standing up for the people!!! :-)
If one is able, I urge people to support the Southern Poverty Law Center. They do excellent countrywide tracking of white supremacist and other hate groups and are in a position to inform the public and elected officials of what is going on. In addition to demanding those running for office strengthen our laws and constitution, expand and install term limits and ethics on SCOTUS, get rid of Citizens United, reinstate a woman's choice, reinstate science-based healthcare and forestry practices, protect public lands, increase investment and production of alternative energy, put the brakes of out of control capitalism and corporate mergers and power, etc.,etc., and prosecute the crooks of the current administration snd root out white supremacy/Christian nationalism in our institutions! We the people need to demand all this!
Blue dot in a red state. There are lots of MAGA here. I avoid them as much as I can. I'm an old man and can't afford to be attacked by some rabid idiot.
I hear you Robot! Take care and wear that body armor in style!!! :-) I give them a deaf ear and a wide berth, too!!! No sense messing with crazed fools.
As Americans I believe that we would like to see thoughtful bipartisan work for real immigration reform.
Trump and his handlers have never wanted that. Trump squashed efforts prior to the 2024 election because he wanted fear of illegal migrants as a campaign issue. Mr. Aceituno discovered that through painful personal experience.
I live in Raleigh and am proud of the community coming out to protect our Hispanic citizens. What disturbs me the most are the hateful, disgusting comments that ignorant individuals have been making on social media. Our TV station - WRAL - posts news on FB and the comments are horrific. So, no, not everyone in our community is willing to protect their neighbors. I only hope that one day they will see the error in their thinking.
It feels hopeful to see the People standing up to this regime. I was appalled that grump had that prince of doom in the house. He never fails to disappoint
Just remember that Donald Trump is a career criminal. I hesitate to call him an "organized-crime boss" because his kakistocratic administration shows little sign of organization. Anyway, it's nice to see signs that it may be starting to crumble. We need to keep up unrelenting pressure to break it up and wash it away.
Meidas.....… Trump called for the execution by hanging of 2 Democratic senators and 4 representatives after they posted a video reminding members of the military and intelligence community that their oath is to the Constitution and the country, and it is their legal obligation to refuse to follow any unlawful orders they may receive. Each lawmaker in the video is either a military vet or former member of a US intelligence agency.
It must be! My Senator, Mark Kelly is clearly at risk after this. His wife, former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords was shot in 2011 and left with permanent brain damage while at a community event. It is no small thing when the President of the United States marks someone for death.
Hope, unless followed by action won't get us far. Protest and resist any way we can, and try to stay safe at the same time. It won't be easy, but saving freedom rarely is.
My wife and I (retirees) participated in the No Kings marches and in one of the Siembra NC trainings and patrols to document what ICE and CBP are doing. Siembra’s work is impressive and people are standing up against tyranny. Thanks for your encouraging columns, Jen.
As a fifty-year resident of Charlotte, NC I am so proud of my city. This is the Charlotte I know so well! It has always been a place where the community comes together in trying times in support of our citizens. It is a city where it is easy to be involved. This week’s organized protests and demonstrations supporting and protecting our vibrant Latino community against ICE and the Border Patrol are just what we do here!
Very well written Jen. This piece is about the humane treatment of people and their commitment to looking after their neighbors. It is heartening we still have good people who are willing to do what is morally right but what is most repugnant to me is putting people in detention centers that are not even fit for animals to stay in. Environments like this are a public health hazard to everyone. The government must abide by standards if they are going to temporarily detain people. In the process of providing humane conditions maybe we should be reforming our immigration system at the same time.
My friend's grandchildren attend public, very diverse, elementary school in Charlotte. Their parents chose the public schools for the diversity and quality. These white children can see, from their school bus, the ICE agents. At these young ages, they are scared that those are the bad guys. Parental reassurance is hardly enough.
I’ve been witnessing this chaos and horror in Charlotte all week, affecting my community in a way I never dreamed would be allowed. I am so grateful and humbled by this post because sometimes it seems that we are not making any kind of positive impact. Thank you 💙💙.
Not a single act of protest or solidarity is wasted. Every bit of transparency and decency helps the next place — and the last one — to make the right choices without which the rest of us cannot live. We salute your courage and steadfastness.
“Injustice in one place threatens justice everywhere.” —Martin Luther King, Jr.
Yes, exactly!!! We, The People, Stand Together, no matter where we are (I'm in Northern Nevada). I'm so glad that the people of Charlotte could take strength from the people of Chicago, and other places!!! We. Are. *Not* 1930's Germany!!! We *Will* Overcome. The. trump-Tyranny!!!
Since Dr. King's times, America has changed...
Darkness before the light. These abuses have brought Americans together in such a powerful way, fighting against intolerance, fighting for our neighbors regardless of the color of their skin or their accents but recognizing the content of their character. I feel hope for our future.
If that were true, it would already be perceptible among the American elite. Only on platforms like this one do you hear enlightened comments. Outside of here lies the bitter truth, from corporate elites through the press (check out The Washington Post), all working to accommodate the Democrats.
We are standing strong behind North Carolina here and can say confidently you are all doing SO MUCH. Thank you for your bravery and resilience.
We in the Triangle have gained strength shown by our fellow North Carolinians in Charlotte. Stay strong!
"Aceituno said he voted for Trump but now concedes, “It was the worst decision of my life.”
This sentence identified the true source of Trump destruction of democracy and decency. Those who chose him over Harris. Why did he do so knowing that Mr. Trump's illegal action on Jan 6.? I am glad he is learning a precious lesson.
My thoughts, exactly. For once, it did affect the right person. Hope this is a lifetime lesson to him.
From the Triad, our hearts are with you! The Queen City has made all of us proud! 👏👏🙌💙💙💙
I am so thankful for our brave protesters.
I live one hour outside Charlotte and sought out a Charlotte friend for news. She said there are videos of violence and arrests of protestors. Protestors have organized a campaign to drive their cars to honk at and follow CBP. These masked agents have pinned in the protest drivers, made them stop, smashed in their car windows, dragged them out of their cars, thrown them to the ground and arrested them. Taken to unknown locations. Protestors.
I’m going to a protest outside of Charlotte on Saturday.
Can't wait for these American Gestapo folks are brought before Nurenburg-like tribunals. And they have no immunity, unlike the war criminal Trump. The Supreme Court is complicit in every lawless activity by Trump. But Trump has no immunity to any charges the ICC plans to raise.
You know, that is one of my biggest fears; that once again new leadership will say "let's look forward" and do nothing to pursue/punish these criminals.
We will need a Truth and Consequences commission to hold Trump and his minions accountable. No kumbaya and "looking forward " without accountability
Wouldn't be the first time, would it? It's a reasonable fear.
Exactly.
And we can't let it happen this time. Letting them get by with it only encourages more of the same later.
This country doesn't recognize the ICC. Maybe after this fiasco, we should. A Nuremberg II senario would be appropriate. There must be consequences for attempting to destroy a country.
We can only hope it will come to this! It should!
We the people can make it happen. It may take work, but we can do it.
Yes! Please everyone, put signs in your yards and windows that say, 'WE THE PEOPLE". We must show them how many of US see what they are doing to put a stop to it!!!
They are now in Nebo, Marion, Hickory, Blowing Rock, undoubtedly planning to harass Asheville. My town has a large population of Hispanics/Latinos. This is cruel.
Not to mention that we are just starting to recoup our tourism after Helene damage
How many of these ICE and CPB were Jan 6th insurrectionists?
Good question. Ask your senators and representative to find out.
Our rethuglican senator and rep?
No doubt many. Thugs hiding their faces.
All businesses in the tourism trade must band together and speak out!!! Who wants to come to our country with this madness going on???
Indivisible of Catawba County just organized a protest in Hickory tomorrow noon. They say what you report which is that the raids have moved to Hickory and surrounding counties. I’m leaning on their strength and will join them tomorrow.
We were told last night, according to sheriffs' dept, that they have left Marion. I find that very questionable. Wondering if they are telling sheriffs & local police they are finished here to trick people into coming out. Centro Unido seems to believe it, though. Like goddamned roaches scurrying when the lights are turned on.
I mean Blowing Rock. Seriously? Did WE pay for Bovino's plush vacation digs?
WE THE PEOPLE are paying through the nose for all of what is happening! AND it must stop!!! WE must give them a dose of their own medicine and show them OUR power!!!
I'm waiting for word on a pop up protest in Marion this weekend!
What a pleasure to be proud of being a North Carolinian this morning ! Thanks to residents and elected officials, both.
Hopefully AG Jeff is initiating a lawsuit as we speak!
Guess we should ask him to!! Good point!!!
I wrote and shared this column just in case he hasn't seen it yet--Thanks for the idea.
We can accomplish so much in NC if we can kill this horrid gerrymandering once and for all!
He is such a good man and a fighter. I'm sure he and Gov Stein are looking at all options. He has been involved in several lawsuits already to protect dept of education funds, medicaid, AI protections at state levels, etc.
💯
As a life long North Carolinian, I would have no problem with PROFESSIONAL ICE OFFICERS quietly finding and sending criminals back to their own countries, but these raids and the intimidation of citizens by brutaality has to stopped. I hope ICE agents doing this work are prosecuted. I hope these brutes enjoy their money. If you are so tough, take off your mask and join the MMA. ICE is giving all law enforcement a bad name. Good on NC. Take no shit.
Please note that Gov. Pritzger has stated that they are taking names, and when the regime changes, those people will be prosecuted. During protests, people with better cameras should zoom in on on the names of masked CPB officers, and write down those names
Governor Pritzker is making a good move. Prosecuting these thugs for crimes within the state, in state courts. Trump has jurisdiction over the federal system. He has no authority over state-committed crimes, so cannot pardon the offenders.
And I am so sick of the cult online saying "oh just roll down your window" or "if you are legal you have nothing to fear". I want to see them FAFO how all this is going to negatively impact their lives, their finances in the near future.
I think many of us feel just as you do Sam! Well said!! I have always been thankful for our local law enforcement officers and state patrolmen. Their jobs are tireless and can be so very difficult and dangerous. You are so right about ICE making law enforcement look bad. I am worried that young people will not consider careers in law enforcement because of this. The masks and no ID or body cams has to be addressed state by state with legal actions!!! Some judges have demanded that ICE wear ID and body cams and NO MASKS!!!
ICE/CPB have destroyed decades of public trust. I wouldn't blame anyone who doesn't trust law enforcement, especially those who are in the targeted groups.
I hear you Robot. I live in an area with several Proud Boys and it is noticeable how the local Sheriffs ignore their noisy trucks and general disturbing of the peace. I have seen one Sheriff wearing a red MAGA cap on his days off. UGH!
This is not a new problem but it has been ignored. Sheriff departments particularly in the west are a problem. In 2020 the Brennan Center for Justice released a report “Hidden in Plain Sight: Racism, White Supremacy, and Far-Right Militancy in Law Enforcement”.
For years the Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks white supremacy and other hate and anti-government groups, has been sounding the alarm of white supremacist in filtration in police forces snd the military. In 2020 they addressed Congress and stated “…the Southern Poverty Law Center has been documenting white supremacist infiltration of the military and urging officials to take substantial and systematic action since 1986. It is now clear that, despite some adjustments in policies related to recruitment and conduct within the U.S. Armed Forces, white supremacist activity continues to persist in the military.”
One more thing we need to force elected officials to address - in addition to SCOTUS, Citizen’s United, corporate power - when this is finally over.
Thank you for speaking up about this infiltration problem in police departments and the military!!! Yes, it has been a problem for years. Sadly, currently in our military it is from the very top that is most concerning with DJT and Hegseth. Locally it tends to be a few individual officers, but in some small towns/counties in the state there are a few police chiefs who are openly defying laws as they see fit, regarding guns and women and on and on. With money getting tight at all levels of the government, some of these people are ignored rather than confronted. Not good! Than of course there is Pam Bondi, Cash Patel and Kristi Noem!?!? UGH!!! Thank you for reminding me of the Brennan Center and The Southern Poverty Law Center!!! Always good to know of such people with a proven track record of standing up for the people!!! :-)
If one is able, I urge people to support the Southern Poverty Law Center. They do excellent countrywide tracking of white supremacist and other hate groups and are in a position to inform the public and elected officials of what is going on. In addition to demanding those running for office strengthen our laws and constitution, expand and install term limits and ethics on SCOTUS, get rid of Citizens United, reinstate a woman's choice, reinstate science-based healthcare and forestry practices, protect public lands, increase investment and production of alternative energy, put the brakes of out of control capitalism and corporate mergers and power, etc.,etc., and prosecute the crooks of the current administration snd root out white supremacy/Christian nationalism in our institutions! We the people need to demand all this!
Exactly. These people need to be weeded out of the military and police.
Blue dot in a red state. There are lots of MAGA here. I avoid them as much as I can. I'm an old man and can't afford to be attacked by some rabid idiot.
I hear you Robot! Take care and wear that body armor in style!!! :-) I give them a deaf ear and a wide berth, too!!! No sense messing with crazed fools.
As Americans I believe that we would like to see thoughtful bipartisan work for real immigration reform.
Trump and his handlers have never wanted that. Trump squashed efforts prior to the 2024 election because he wanted fear of illegal migrants as a campaign issue. Mr. Aceituno discovered that through painful personal experience.
I live in Raleigh and am proud of the community coming out to protect our Hispanic citizens. What disturbs me the most are the hateful, disgusting comments that ignorant individuals have been making on social media. Our TV station - WRAL - posts news on FB and the comments are horrific. So, no, not everyone in our community is willing to protect their neighbors. I only hope that one day they will see the error in their thinking.
Don't even go to Gov Stein's FB page. You will be livid.
It feels hopeful to see the People standing up to this regime. I was appalled that grump had that prince of doom in the house. He never fails to disappoint
Just remember that Donald Trump is a career criminal. I hesitate to call him an "organized-crime boss" because his kakistocratic administration shows little sign of organization. Anyway, it's nice to see signs that it may be starting to crumble. We need to keep up unrelenting pressure to break it up and wash it away.
I AM ANTIFA!
PS the Charlotte Observer is posting videos of the violence against protestors and immigrants.
Meidas.....… Trump called for the execution by hanging of 2 Democratic senators and 4 representatives after they posted a video reminding members of the military and intelligence community that their oath is to the Constitution and the country, and it is their legal obligation to refuse to follow any unlawful orders they may receive. Each lawmaker in the video is either a military vet or former member of a US intelligence agency.
IS THIS AN ACTIONABLE TERRORISTIC THREAT?
Under state and Federal law?
It must be! My Senator, Mark Kelly is clearly at risk after this. His wife, former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords was shot in 2011 and left with permanent brain damage while at a community event. It is no small thing when the President of the United States marks someone for death.
Well, remember that he encouraged the J6 seditionists to hang his own vice president.
https://removalcoalition.org/
Hope is a powerful thing. Thanks Jen.
Hope, unless followed by action won't get us far. Protest and resist any way we can, and try to stay safe at the same time. It won't be easy, but saving freedom rarely is.
My wife and I (retirees) participated in the No Kings marches and in one of the Siembra NC trainings and patrols to document what ICE and CBP are doing. Siembra’s work is impressive and people are standing up against tyranny. Thanks for your encouraging columns, Jen.
As a fifty-year resident of Charlotte, NC I am so proud of my city. This is the Charlotte I know so well! It has always been a place where the community comes together in trying times in support of our citizens. It is a city where it is easy to be involved. This week’s organized protests and demonstrations supporting and protecting our vibrant Latino community against ICE and the Border Patrol are just what we do here!
Very well written Jen. This piece is about the humane treatment of people and their commitment to looking after their neighbors. It is heartening we still have good people who are willing to do what is morally right but what is most repugnant to me is putting people in detention centers that are not even fit for animals to stay in. Environments like this are a public health hazard to everyone. The government must abide by standards if they are going to temporarily detain people. In the process of providing humane conditions maybe we should be reforming our immigration system at the same time.
My friend's grandchildren attend public, very diverse, elementary school in Charlotte. Their parents chose the public schools for the diversity and quality. These white children can see, from their school bus, the ICE agents. At these young ages, they are scared that those are the bad guys. Parental reassurance is hardly enough.
On the fear and intimidation thing: None of this scares me. It pisses me off.