I am thinking about individuals such as Roberto, a 52-year-old immigrant from Guatemala and father of four. People who knew him described him as helpful and soft-spoken, focused on supporting his family. Most mornings, he could be found at Home Depot alongside others seeking work as a day laborer.
The morning of August 14th was no different. That is until several masked ICE agents burst into the morning, causing the men to scatter. Roberto departed as quickly as possible, fully aware that being apprehended could have severe consequences for his family. He chose to run towards the interstate next to Home Depot, maybe he could disappear on the other side.
That would be his final attempt to seek freedom and a new life in the United States. Roberto Carlos Montoya was pronounced dead at the hospital later that day. His death, which was not the only one attributed to the masked authorities, prompted widespread protests. One of the protesters was quoted as saying “They treat us like animals, rodents, or cockroaches as if they could smoke us out”
There have been countless news reports regarding the treatment of undocumented individuals by ICE, as well as valid concerns about due process in the legal system. Additionally, there are instances of people being deported to countries other than their country of origin or sent to prisons in El Salvador.
Most MAGA folks will say “If you aint’ American you got to go” And it appears that is especially true if you are any shade of brown. Trump has been quoted as saying that he wants to also look at those with current legal status. Many, especially Mexican Americans, have been detained or jailed solely because of their skin color. The supporters of the Trump immigrant roundup program, argue that it has nothing to do with race. Pero, remember those White South African immigrants that were recently brought and welcomed here. They were brought here under a new program launched in February 2025 labeled Mission South Africa.
All this reminds me of that old saying “You can put lipstick on a pig, but its’ still a pig” Or “If it walks like a duck, or quacks like a duck, it must be a duck” In this case what we have is a racist *** leading our country into hatful behavior. Still others might call him the last “Great White Hope”
So yes, this Labor Day I will remember Roberto and everyone who struggles just to survive in a country that hunts them like animals. “May God forgive those of us who remain silent.”
By A. Govea
(Credit AOM and 360, refence article They Treat us Like Animals)
