Sheriffs' ICE program fails to protect 'family'
I was at a community meeting at least a decade ago. I was living in Fort Smith. I still remember vividly a comment from the audience when we were trying to address some of the issues around those experiencing homelessness in the area. Simple things like needing a place to use the bathroom were being discussed. One gentleman stood up and shouted "but they aren't my kin." He expressed what so many say to distance themselves from the suffering of humanity. Our hearts are hardened because we only want to have to care for a few select individuals, our family, our kin.
Fast forward to a recent event I coordinated at a local church. We held a community feast the Sunday before Thanksgiving. It was open to the community. We intentionally invited friends from the Islamic Center and the temple. It was interfaith and ecumenical and secular. It was spectacular. Some called this weird, some called it magic. Some heard who didn't know us, and came and ate and then helped wash dishes.
As one who follows Jesus, I call this kingdom. A feast. Everyone invited. It was a moment in time where we came together. It didn't matter what our social rankings were and many of us didn't know each other. Folks sat together around tables, shared international and traditional food, and the large room overflowed with families of one and families of many.
Jesus reminds those who practice Christianity that our family is the one in need. At least that is my reading. Not the one in the direct family line, but the one sleeping under a bridge, or holding a cardboard sign. The one with the most need is our kin to care for. Jesus demonstrates this throughout his ministry.
Our immigrant community is anxious. We have a broken system and women and children and men trying their best to live, work, contribute to their community, and stay safe. In our area there is a program called 287(g), a voluntary program in which sheriff's deputies take on the role of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and aid ICE in the deportation of immigrants. We separate families in Washington and Benton counties, all pretty much legal, although lawsuits are being filed and the practice is seen as discriminatory and predatory. There are many details worthy of discussion.
The local ICE department and sheriffs hold a voluntary "steering committee" meeting once a year. It is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 12, at 10 a.m. at the Washington County Courthouse. I invite all to examine your view of who family is and I encourage them to attend. They can come in silent witness, or with a sign. They can stand alongside sisters and brothers who are fighting for comprehensive and necessary immigration reform, and fighting against the immoral separation of families in our backyard.
I will be there standing with my brothers and my sisters, my kin.
Janet L. Graige
Fayetteville
Commentary on 12/11/2019