Because of recent tragedies related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, many Americans now fear the future of our country.
Right now, there are many concerns about what to do if one is involved in ICE actions, and there is a lack of available resources for maintaining proper conduct in high-tension situations.
While ICE has rarely been sighted in Saginaw, with only rumors of its presence at SVSU, one organization has taken it upon itself to inform the community.
Young Democratic Socialists of America, or YDSA, held an “ICE Out” event on Friday, March 27, at 6:00 p.m. This event was available to the public and featured a guest speaker who informed attendees about precautionary measures.
At the ICE Out, attendees were allowed to take bags that contained a whistle and an informative pamphlet that describes how to use the whistle. One page instructs users to blow the whistle three times fast when ICE agents are sighted, and three times slow when a detainee is being taken into custody. The pamphlet also offers a Spanish translation.
This goodie bag was just the first of many informative tips. The speaker, Marilee White, also offered advice to attendees on what to do in the face of ICE presence. She first describes what ICE presence looks like. According to her, ICE agents rarely travel alone, often in vehicle patrols of multiple blacked-out, American-made vehicles. They can also be seen wearing tactical vests and masks.
She later instructs listeners on what to do if ICE is seen in their area, especially if they see an abduction. “Always film ICE, but never the victim,” she said. “You never know if that’s what they prefer.”
She further tells people to never yell at ICE or purposefully instigate the situation, as that can later result in brutality, abuse, or even death of the victim.
Aside from recording or documenting ICE action, White also offers other tips for intervention. White told the audience to always be in groups, as it is harder to detain multiple people than just one. Lastly, her perhaps most prominent advice was to always back up if told to do so by an ICE agent and to never say or sign anything, especially if you’re the one being detained.
None of this advice is unprovoked, unfortunately, as she began the demonstration by telling the story of her freind, Andy, who was taken by ICE. Andy, while being abducted here in Michigan, has been taken all over the country. White believes this is intentional, however, as they believe it is harder to protest his abduction if they can’t tell where he even is.
“I don’t care if they’re citizens; humans are being abducted,” White stated. Her parting gift to the audience was a red note card, which instructs people on exactly what to say if they’re being abducted. This red card has multiple translations, featuring English, Spanish, and Hindi. She advises users to either read from it or simply hand ICE agents the card without speaking.
This event was organized by YDSA, an organization that deals with American politics and can often be found advocating for reform of many institutions: ICE being a prominent one.
One of the event’s hosts, Mercie Skelton, a third-year professional and technical writing major, helped start the YDSA at SVSU.
“I just want people to be informed, [get] involved with the community, and learn more empathy,” she stated.
While Democratic Socialism may not be your thing, nor even your beliefs, these events are extremely important for the community. They bring awareness, help proactive policy change, and allow the bonds of community to be more tightly knit. Worried students should attend YDSA events like this one in the future so they may be more equipped to face political adversity like America is seeing right now.
