In the aftermath of the tragic events of 9/11, the United States government launched a massive effort to combat terrorism. This effort not only resulted in the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, but also led to the transformation of two agencies – Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) – into what can only be described as a death squad.
This disturbing reality was recently brought to light by journalist Spencer Ackerman in his article for The Intercept, titled “Terrorist”: How ICE Weaponized 9/11’s Scarlet Letter. In this eye-opening piece, Ackerman delves into the politics of counterterrorism and how it has shaped the actions of ICE and CBP, ultimately rendering them unreformable.
The term “terrorist” has become a powerful weapon in the hands of these agencies, allowing them to justify their actions and evade accountability. In the name of national security, ICE and CBP have been given free rein to carry out their operations with little oversight or consequences. And the consequences have been deadly.
Ackerman highlights the case of Roxsana Hernández, a transgender woman from Honduras who sought asylum in the United States. She was detained by ICE and died in their custody due to severe dehydration and complications from HIV. Despite evidence of neglect and abuse, ICE was never held accountable for her death. This is just one of many examples of the agencies’ disregard for human life.
But how did we get to this point? Ackerman argues that the politics of counterterrorism, fueled by fear and xenophobia, have played a significant role in the transformation of ICE and CBP into a death squad. The post-9/11 era saw a rise in anti-immigrant sentiment, and these agencies were given a mandate to protect the country from “terrorists.” This broad and vague label has been used to justify the targeting and mistreatment of immigrants, particularly those from Muslim-majority countries.
The scarlet letter of “terrorist” has also been used to justify the expansion of ICE and CBP’s powers. These agencies have been given access to military-grade weapons and technology, and their budgets have increased exponentially. This has created a dangerous and unchecked force that operates with impunity.
But perhaps the most troubling aspect of this transformation is the fact that these agencies are now unreformable. Ackerman argues that the very structure and culture of ICE and CBP make it impossible to hold them accountable or implement meaningful change. The agencies are shrouded in secrecy, and their actions are shielded from public scrutiny. Attempts at reform have been met with resistance and pushback from within the agencies themselves.
So, what can be done? Ackerman suggests that the only way to address this issue is to dismantle these agencies entirely. The post-9/11 era has shown that the use of “terrorist” as a label has only led to the erosion of civil liberties and the targeting of marginalized communities. It is time to rethink our approach to counterterrorism and prioritize human rights and justice.
In conclusion, Ackerman’s article sheds light on a disturbing reality – the transformation of ICE and CBP into a death squad. The politics of counterterrorism have played a significant role in this transformation, and the consequences have been deadly. It is time for us to question the actions of these agencies and demand accountability. We must not allow the scarlet letter of “terrorist” to be used as a justification for human rights abuses. It is time to dismantle ICE and CBP and create a more just and humane immigration system.
