UPDATE: A groundbreaking conversation about the origins of deportation is set for this Saturday in Logan Heights. Filmmaker Alex Rivera and historian Kelly Lytle Hernandez will reveal how historical deportation practices shape modern immigration policy during the KPBS Midday Edition segment.
As immigration enforcement intensifies nationwide, with reports of violent arrests and targeted ICE raids, understanding the roots of deportation has never been more urgent. Authorities confirm that this year alone has seen a dramatic increase in aggressive immigration tactics, leaving communities on edge.
During the event, Rivera and Hernandez will explore the historical context of deportation, beginning with the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which marked the first significant federal law to restrict immigration based on race. As they trace this dark history, they aim to shed light on how these practices have evolved and continue to impact marginalized communities today.
Hernandez, a UCLA professor and MacArthur Genius Fellow, emphasizes the importance of understanding the past to navigate the present crisis. “We are in a moment of extraordinary violence against our communities,” she stated, highlighting the need for historical perspective to combat current immigration policies.
Rivera, also a MacArthur Fellow and professor at Arizona State University, notes the chilling continuity of racialized immigration practices over the decades. “The rhetoric we hear today echoes the sentiments of the 19th century,” he explained, stressing that ongoing attacks on immigrant communities are rooted in a long history of systemic racism.
The conversation will delve into key legal battles and individual stories that highlight resistance to deportation, including the powerful case of Fong You Ting, who challenged the legality of deportation at the U.S. Supreme Court in 1893. This case laid the groundwork for the federal government’s total authority over immigration enforcement.
This Saturday’s event aims to inspire action and discussion around the moral implications of current immigration policies. Rivera elaborates on the significance of this dialogue, stating, “We must reimagine a world where deportation is not normalized.”
As the event approaches, the urgency for communities to engage in these discussions grows. With deportations affecting families across the nation, understanding this history could empower advocates to push for more humane policies.
Join Rivera and Hernandez this Saturday at Bread and Salt to engage in this critical conversation about the origins of deportation and its lasting impact on today’s immigration landscape. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from experts and discuss the future of immigration policy in our communities.
