This political posturing by the Trump Administration is dangerous because it sets a precedent that suggests militarization is appropriate to people seeking sanctuary. By influencing public opinion and normalizing the idea that is acceptable to criminalize migrants, humanitarian needs are going unmet and lives and livelihoods are being destroyed on both sides of the border wall.
We don’t have to accept this reality. It is critical that we confront the immorality of gassing and denying passage to the most vulnerable with principled action of our own. We can offer support and solidarity with those facing persecution. We can demand that Congress take a stand by cutting funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection.