In a recent exclusive interview with The Intercept, Daniel Sanchez Estrada opened up about his experience of being arrested for transporting anarchist zines after a protest against ICE in Texas. The 22-year-old activist, who was initially released by mistake, turned himself in and is now facing charges of possession of anarchist literature and materials.
The incident took place on July 2nd, when Sanchez Estrada was participating in a peaceful protest against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency in San Antonio, Texas. The protest was organized to denounce the inhumane treatment of immigrants and the separation of families at the US-Mexico border.
Sanchez Estrada, a member of the local Antifa group, was carrying a bag of zines that contained information about anarchist ideology and tactics. These zines were meant to be distributed among fellow activists and protesters, as a way to educate and empower them. However, as the protest ended and the crowd dispersed, Sanchez Estrada was approached by police officers who searched his bag and found the zines.
In an interview with The Intercept, Sanchez Estrada explained that he was immediately arrested and taken into custody. However, due to a clerical error, he was released on bond the next day. Upon realizing the mistake, Sanchez Estrada decided to turn himself in and face the charges against him.
“I’m not hiding. Because I’m innocent,” Sanchez Estrada stated firmly in the interview. He went on to explain that he believes in the principles of anarchism, which promote non-hierarchical and anti-authoritarian forms of organization. He also clarified that the zines he was carrying were not promoting violence or illegal activities, but rather advocating for social and political change through peaceful means.
Sanchez Estrada’s case has sparked outrage among activists and supporters, who see it as a violation of his freedom of speech and expression. Many have taken to social media to express their support for him and to condemn the authorities for targeting him for his political beliefs.
The incident also sheds light on the growing crackdown on anarchist and antifascist groups in the United States. In recent years, these groups have faced increased scrutiny and surveillance from law enforcement agencies, who often label them as “domestic terrorists” without any evidence.
Sanchez Estrada’s case is a clear example of the criminalization of dissent and the suppression of alternative ideologies. By targeting him for carrying anarchist literature, the authorities are sending a chilling message to activists and protesters that their voices will not be tolerated.
However, despite the challenges he is facing, Sanchez Estrada remains determined and optimistic. He believes that his arrest and the subsequent media attention have brought attention to the issues he and his fellow activists were protesting against. “This is not just about me. It’s about the larger struggle for justice and equality,” he stated.
In the face of adversity, Sanchez Estrada’s courage and resilience are truly inspiring. His unwavering commitment to his beliefs and his willingness to face the consequences of his actions are a testament to the power of activism and the importance of standing up for what you believe in.
As the case against him moves forward, it is crucial for us to show our support for Sanchez Estrada and all those who are fighting for a more just and equitable society. Let us not be silenced by fear or intimidation, but instead, let us continue to raise our voices and demand change. Because as Sanchez Estrada reminds us, “I’m not hiding. Because I’m innocent.”
