The Trump administration recently deported 238 Venezuelan immigrants to a harsh prison in El Salvador, labeling them as gang members and terrorists. These deportations are part of a broader trend where the government revokes visas and targets individuals for alleged criminal activities, such as supporting terrorism or participating in protests. However, media investigations have revealed that many of these individuals are innocent, raising concerns about the administration’s justifications for these actions. The administration’s focus on targeting “gang members” and “terrorist supporters” is seen as a tactic to further an ethnic cleansing agenda and perpetuate bipartisan racism against marginalized communities.

The use of criminality as a pretext for violence is not new, with historical examples of anti-Black violence and discriminatory policing practices. The notion of gang membership has been weaponized to dehumanize and target Black and Latino communities, leading to devastating consequences such as federal prosecution and deportation. Additionally, the expansion of the “war on terror” has further marginalized Arab and Muslim residents, subjecting them to discriminatory surveillance and repression.

The article highlights the dangers of the innocence trap, where defending only the “innocent” can inadvertently reinforce oppressive narratives. It emphasizes the need to defend the rights of all individuals targeted by the administration, regardless of their backgrounds or alleged criminal activities. By challenging the dehumanization of marginalized groups and advocating for universal rights, we can resist the normalization of state violence and protect the fundamental dignity of all individuals.