The March 14 directive, signed by Attorney General Pam Bondi, uses an obscure 18th-century law — the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 — to give law enforcement nationwide the power to bypass basic constitutional protections.
According to the memo, agents can break into a home if getting a warrant is “impracticable,” and they don’t need a judge’s approval. Instead, immigration officers can sign their own administrative warrants. The bar for action is low — a “reasonable belief” that someone might be part of a Venezuelan gang is enough.
I 100% understand what you mean and where you’re coming from. The idea that I could have a loved one ripped away from me by fascists and sent to a camp is horrifying. I understand wanting to die rather than let that happen.
I’m approaching this rationally, though. YOU may be prepared to die at a moment’s notice – but what about your wife? Has she consented to dying in a barrage of bullets when the gestapo comes a-knockin’? I think the last time I looked it up, something like 12 people have died at the El Salvadorian prison. This is ignoring the deplorable conditions and the disturbing abuses that happen of course. I think my/their odds are better there than bleeding out on the floor.
It seems to me that the option that would most allow me to see that loved one again would be to avoid dying in the first place or placing them in harm’s way.
This isn’t quite true. You are in mortal danger absolutely, but that danger multiplies tenfold when you draw a weapon and fire. They are there for political purposes to deport people. There’s a monetary incentive in El Salvador to keep these political prisoners alive, too. If death squads begin roaming the streets, summarily executing people, then I will see the logic. Hell I’d take up arms.
I also think about the logistics of a firefight. Is your gun at the ready for when you hear a noise downstairs? Are you shooting into the dark? What if it’s the incompetent Sherriff’s office at the wrong house for a no-knock raid? What if they do knock? Where are you hiding? What happens after you’re shot? Let’s say you win the firefight – what then? Do you flee? If so, why not just flee in the first place to avoid the chance of death? What if you’re the only one that dies in the firefight and your wife is left alone? Is that better? What if just SHE dies? There is literally no way this goes down that works for me.
This is a scary time, and whatever plans I draw up will ensure the best chances of keeping my family alive. I hope you and yours are and stay safe.