To me, the goal of ICE seems reasonable and necessary for this country: if you want to enter and live here, you must do it legally, as it should be for any country. America is a country of freedom, growth and equal opportunity, though the process of acquiring that equality varies from person to person by life’s circumstances.
But I do believe how they are operating is unjust and horrific. There is no need for violence to be involved in such operations unless absolutely necessary.
If someone is legal and ICE agents approach them because of racial profiling and ask for documents, they must accept electronic or online proof. No one would be walking the streets with their passports just ready.
If someone is here illegally, agents should explain to them the consequences they could face verbally instead of violently. There is no reason to detain them by force through physical conflicts, or to point a gun and shoot straight at their faces. They are human too, and that is murder.
When I was in Minneapolis visiting my friends during the winter break, the shooting of Renee Nicole Good took place. I didn’t want to step outside that day or be seen walking in the streets.
For an international student, it can also cause concerns and anxiety in everyday life. This is something I personally don’t face often, but it does happen. Fellow international students had strong and interesting points on this issue.
Ranjan Prajapati, a student from Nepal, thinks that the goal of ICE is right but the way they
handle their business is inhuman.
“You can approach people nicely and have an actual conversation instead of jumping straight into violence,” he said. “Watching all the news about it gives me fear of, ‘What if they approach me?’ … It’s like they don’t consider them as humans.”
Response Ndanyuzwe, a Congolese student, shared his views as well.
“It doesn’t make sense to me at all. At the end of the day, we’re all human. People have been here for years and this country was built by immigrants,” he said. “When I saw what’s been happening, I’ve been trying to stay inside. I don’t feel safe at all.”
Danny Bayasgalan, reporter
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