I’ve read yet another letter here in which the author supports the aggressive actions of DHS and ICE because they are rounding up murderers, rapists and terrorists (i.e., illegal immigrants), thereby making us safer (“America sees what’s happening in Minneapolis,” Feb. 3, TribLive). That letter, otherwise well written and logical on its face, loses credibility when using those words to describe such people.
It can’t be said enough: Immigrants, regardless of legal status, are far less likely than native-born Americans to commit violent crimes. Most of those detained have no criminal record. They also contribute way more to our economy than they ever get back in public benefits. These are facts. That people believe otherwise is due to their own prejudices and the persuasive propaganda of the party in power, which, rather than trying to ensure our safety and security, is seeking to reclaim the white privilege they believe is slipping away.
An army of ICE thugs — masked, armed to the teeth and seemingly above the law — is part of their plan for doing that. These are scary times.
John Meyer
Cheverly, Md.
The writer is formerly of Delmont.
