Sadly in the Eyes of the Law, Brown is a One-Size-Fits-Almost-All and we must work to eliminate racial bias in law enforcement, not triple down on it.
I’m half Black and half “white.” My Puerto Rican neighbors once thought I was Puerto Rican, and a few times, they slipped up and revealed their true thoughts. They definitely treated me differently when they saw my Black siblings and nephew. I couldn’t help but think: You look more Black than me—how can you possibly be anti-Black?
But colonization and racism did a number on ALL of us. Race is a persistent and stubborn LIE. But here we are, so let’s handle it.
Latino women showed up—60% voted against oppression. But Latino men? 55% voted for a ticket that called them garbage and refused them aid after Hurricane Maria. Some Puerto Ricans feel protected as Americans, believing they won’t be swept up in anti-immigrant crackdowns. They think they’re safe. Some even long for white acceptance, even if it means saying goodbye to La Nana and Abuelo.
But let’s be clear: If 45 grants immunity to ICE and police, they won’t stop to hear you protest, “But I’m not Peruvian, Colombian, or Mexican!” Nope. You’d better have your papers in order and think twice before transporting anyone into Florida who is undocumented. Under Florida’s Senate Bill 1718 (SB 1718), which took effect July 1, 2023, it is a felony to “knowingly and willfully” transport an undocumented immigrant into the state. The law is being challenged, but for now, it stands.
Oklahoma took it even further this summer with a bill that would label Latino individuals accused of gang involvement as terrorists. It didn’t pass, but they admitted they were “chomping at the bit” to push it through. This bill wouldn’t apply to the Proud Boys or the Klan, but it could apply to anyone Latino or brown.
Here’s what this terrorist designation would have meant:
Asset Forfeiture: Individuals labeled as terrorists would face the loss of all property, including real estate, vehicles, and personal assets.
Due Process Concerns: The bill raised serious constitutional issues, particularly around equal protection under the law. Targeting a specific ethnic group undermines fairness and leads to discriminatory enforcement.
Social and Economic Impact: Being labeled a terrorist would make it nearly impossible to secure employment, housing, or other essential services.
But what happens if 45 gets a stroke (Cthulhu forbid) and can no longer serve? (He already can’t, but let’s say the squid gods turn against him.) Suppose JD Vance or some other extremist takes over. Couldn’t the dozen states challenging this, or even Jack Smith, step in and hold them accountable?
Receipts:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/18/oklahoma-bill-labels-hispanic-people-terrorists
Under Florida’s Senate Bill 1718 (SB 1718), which took effect on July 1, 2023, it is a felony to “knowingly and willfully” transport an undocumented immigrant into the state. This means that if you are aware that a passenger in your vehicle is undocumented and you are bringing them into Florida, you could face felony charges.