The Department of Homeland Security launched an aggressive communication campaign aimed at undocumented immigrants, which has generated controversy due to its threatening and militarized tone.
Homeland Security published a high-production video on its social media, featuring ominous music and dark scenes. The piece shows armed agents from the Border Patrol Special Operations Group entering industrial buildings and shadowy places in search of immigrants.
The central message of the video leaves no room for doubt: “The darkness is no longer your ally. You represent an existential threat to the citizens of the United States, and we will stop at nothing to hunt you down.”
The composition of the images and the biblical message maintained throughout the video ("The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion" – Proverbs 28:1) aims to portray the soldiers as “righteous” beings who act with bravery, within a narrative of justice or war against evil, in this case illegal immigration.
The campaigns against immigrants, driven by the administration of Donald Trump, have been criticized by human rights organizations and activists, who view them as a dangerous stigmatization that equates migrants with internal enemies.
Furthermore, the use of military language and imagery similar to military operations raises concerns about the current U.S. government's repressive approach to irregular migration.
Meanwhile, thousands of immigrants, among them many Cubans, continue to face complex and dangerous processes in their attempt to regularize their status, seek asylum, or achieve the dream of a better life in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions about the United States Campaign Against Undocumented Immigrants
What does the new Homeland Security campaign against illegal immigrants consist of?
The Homeland Security campaign is characterized by its aggressive and militarized tone, using high-production videos that show armed agents from the Border Patrol's Special Operations Group hunting immigrants in dark places. The message is clear: darkness is no longer an ally for illegal immigrants, and they will be pursued as an existential threat to the citizens of the United States.
How has the international community reacted to these immigration policies of the U.S.?
The immigration policies of the United States have generated strong criticism from human rights organizations and immigration activists, who believe that these campaigns dangerously stigmatize immigrants by equating them with internal enemies. Moreover, the militarized and repressive approach has raised concerns both domestically and internationally.
What impact do these policies have on Cuban immigrants in the United States?
Cuban immigrants are feeling the impact of these tougher policies, with a notable decrease in attempts to enter the country and a tightening of deportation procedures. Additional restrictions, such as the suspension of visas and deportation to third countries, further complicate the situation for Cubans seeking a legal pathway to the United States.
What measures has the U.S. taken to deport immigrants with criminal records?
The United States has intensified its actions to deport immigrants with serious criminal records, including the use of deportations to third countries when their countries of origin refuse to accept them back. This includes Cuban immigrants, who have been sent to countries like Eswatini, a measure that has raised concerns among human rights groups regarding the safety and rights of the deportees.
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