In Case I Disappear

Welcome back! Apologies for yet another delay. Moving forward, I will be aiming for a bi-weekly schedule. While much of what I want to write about deals with current events, I’m trying to write something that applies not only to what’s happening today, but also to what may happen tomorrow. Besides, the pace of current events is far too much for one person to keep up with.

On April 14^th , 2025 Donald Trump met with the President of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele to discuss among other things, the rendition of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, and the US’s continued use of prisons in El Salvador for foreign nationals that have been targeted by the administration. During that meeting, Trump let slip out that they would need to build more facilities because they want to start sending “homegrowns” to the facilities.

Two days later, on April 16^th , 2025 Juan Carlos Lopez-Gomez was detained during a traffic stop and held in detainment until the following evening on orders from ICE. Lopez-Gomez is a US born citizen of the United States, and thankfully, he wasn’t sent to an El Salvadorian prison, though with the speed and carelessness of this administrations actions, it’s only a matter of time before citizens find themselves in foreign prisons.

We’ve also seen foreign nationals detained and having visas revoked because it has been found that they have been critical of this administration or its allies. Even Green Card Holders, legally residing in the US have faced the same, often harsh and cruel treatment. Minor errors, and intentional mistargeting have led to pretty drastic measures taken against people trying to cross borders in or out of our country.

Beyond the threat posed by actual government agents, there are a number of incidents of people impersonating ICE officers to harass people. Considering that actual ICE officials have been often showing up in unmarked vehicles, wearing masks, refusing to produce warrants, and even taking people who are known to not be subject to any kind of immigration enforcement.

Looking at the actions that have unfolded since Trump’s inauguration, it has become clear that we are entering into dangerous new territory. Considering the long history of Trump looking to silence or otherwise get rid of anyone who criticizes him, including multiple statements he’s made in office and on the campaign trail. none of us are safe.

I’ve long been critical of Trump. Even before he was actually in politics, I’ve been critical of his actions such as his statements on the Exonerated 5, and his role in questioning of Obama’s birth certificate are particularly egregious examples my issues with him.

And while I don’t think I’ve been singled out, or that I am in imminent danger, I do recognize that I’ve made a target of myself.

But I will not let that silence me. I won’t allow small men with power to intimidate me into silence, and I will continue to speak out, because on a very basic level, I recognize that if any of us have our rights stripped away, than none of us will ever be safe from having their rights stripped away.

Looking at the constitution and it’s amendments, it guarantees rights to people, with no mention of citizenship status. As much as many conservatives like to point out that the constitution is a document that limits the powers of government, they seem to get awful quiet when government steps outside those limits to target their political opponents.

With all that in mind, I hope that everyone can understand the importance of speaking out, and making yourself heard, not only to stand in solidarity with others who can show up, but also in solidarity with those who have already fallen victim to this administration and can’t be in the streets with us.

If I end up being disappeared, please don’t let that frighten you into silence. Instead, please go out and speak up even louder. The only way that this administration will be successful in what they are trying to do is if we stop fighting.