Letters: We must keep pressure on lawless ICE agents

"Every day, there are headlines about ICE's violent treatment of innocent people. Anyone who still believes these assaults are directed toward criminals is choosing to remain ignorant. There's overwhelming evidence that ICE routinely detains people solely due to the color of their skin, and without warrants. The trauma and destruction caused by these unconstitutional detainments include deaths, sexual abuse and neglect in ICE custody; denial of due process rights; the disappearances of hundreds after the closure of 'Alligator Alcatraz'; and assaults on peaceful protesters."

"Many of us are sickened by the ongoing inhumane treatment of immigrants and others by ICE. As a Catholic, I note that Pope Leo XIV stated that being "pro-life" should include opposition to the inhumane treatment of immigrants. The pope called for reflection on the treatment of detained migrants. It's imperative that people of goodwill do everything we can to stop ICE's aggressive and criminal behavior."

"As an African American student at Evergreen Valley College, I see our community's future being priced out. Many of us, especially from Black and Brown neighborhoods, are watching our families get squeezed by rising rents while new tech jobs pour in. This isn't just about buildings; it's about people. We need the city to ensure that new corporate growth directly funds affordable housing and protects tenants from unfair rent hikes and evictions."

ICE enforcement is described as routinely violent and unconstitutional, with claims of warrantless detentions based on skin color, deaths, sexual abuse, neglect, denial of due process, mass disappearances after facility closures, and assaults on peaceful protesters. Religious moral teaching is cited to assert that a pro-life ethic requires opposing inhumane migrant treatment and to urge collective action to stop aggressive enforcement. In San Jose, rising rents and tech-driven growth are pricing out Black and Brown residents; municipal policy should tie corporate growth to funding for affordable housing and stronger tenant protections to prevent displacement. A separate concern notes perceived failures to prosecute political lawbreaking.

Read at The Mercury News