There has been a long-standing war between the American government and migrants for as long as the country has been standing. More recently, the presidential administration has cracked down on illegal immigration, sending ICE trucks to public places to arrest anyone suspected of having entered the country illegally. Most recently, a Massachusetts councilwoman quite literally put herself between a migrant woman and the police to ensure she wasn’t arrested. Unfortunately, the story isn’t nearly as heartwarming as you might think.
The TikTok video above shows an unnamed councilwoman attempting to protect Brazilian migrant Rosane Ferreira de Oliveira from police. Ferreira had allegedly been seen beating up her teenage daughter before officers showed up. On scene were protesters who were also attempting to protect Ferreira, though child endangerment isn’t a case of where you were originally from. Regardless of her citizenship status in the United States, Ferreira is not exempt from the law, as it stands.
The Massachusetts councilwoman can be seen putting her arms over the Brazilian migrant as officers briefly deliberate on the situation. Shortly after this, the video cuts to a teenage girl whose face is blurred being arrested. It’s unclear if the two arrests are related, though it’s likely the teenage girl is the teenage daughter in question.
The comments on the TikTok video are divided. Some users believe that the Brazilian migrant and her daughter should have received more respect, while others argue that anyone who endangers others should face imprisonment, regardless of their citizenship status. This sentiment also extends to politicians; many commenters insist, “Arrest ALL lawbreakers INCLUDING politicians! Massachusetts citizens deserve better.”
With there being so many more conversations about ICE and immigration now than ever before, it’s almost terrifying to watch any related situation unfold. It seems there is no solution on the horizon, and immigrants have more and more to fear concerning their safety.
