When ICE Was Created in 2003, Were Republicans Planning Ahead?

[dlk]

We know, from experience, Republicans play the long game. When they created ICE, were they looking forward to the day when privatized detention centers (and privatized profits) would become a growth industry and all of the current ugliness toward immigrants be the norm?

[Bluepinky]

1. A scary possibility.

Private prisons and immigration detention centers will be the largest growth industries in the future.

[malaise]

2. For me, it started with Homeland Security

a genuine Nazi term.

[Turbineguy]

3. Some people in ICE

may be looking at a visit from the International Court of Justice.

The "I was only following orders" defense is no good.

If you are doing what Trump tells you, you can bet it's illegal, immoral or fattening.

[former9thward]

4. The U.S. does not belong to the ICJ.

It has no jurisdiction in the U.S.

[Turbineguy]

5. Hmmmmm.....

Sorry, I should have known that.

[Solly Mack]

6. I think so. A lot of bad policy came about because of "911".

It's in quotes because it now sounds that way when any pundit or politician uses it.

September 11, 2001 sounds far more sincere when talking about that day.

"911" sounds more like a shorthand dog whistle now. Completely loaded, carrying all sorts of distortions and biases. Think about who loves to say it the most - all the right-wingers, etc. What they actually mean when they say it - because it for damn sure ain't about the dead.


Bush used the immigration issue to "fight terrorism" after September 11, 2001. You know, national security.

In 2002, Bush signed the Dept. of Homeland Security Act. An umbrella agency that included immigration enforcement and with it, a whole lot of money. Lots and lots of money. ICE falls under the DHS.

Deportations increased after DHS was formed.

You don't even have to be a criminal to be deported - merely charged with a crime. Guilty of brown skin, so to speak.

And ICE/DHS etc.,consider even the most minor of infractions as criminal. Jaywalking, and that's not an exaggeration. The least little thing and if you're status is in flux, you're deported.

They given LEO the power to act as immigration agents. Bad idea.

There is a direct line between the amped up immigration policies with corporate profits and the increase in private detention centers.

Same thing with private prisons - the fuller the more money.

So, yeah - they knew. They knew it could be used in all manner of ways.