It’s no secret that the United States federal government is intensifying its anti-immigration efforts by increasing the frequency of ICE raids and backing the construction of additional detention centers. However, some Americans are pushing back. A 17-year-old girl from Howard County, Maryland, recently became one of those voices, joining others in opposing the construction of a detention center next to her school.
In a video shared by the feminist organization Code Pink, a 17-year-old junior named Kish speaks about her role in opposing plans to build an ICE detention center near her school in Howard County. According to Kish, proposals were moving forward to establish a privately run facility that would be used by ICE close to the location. Local legislation in Maryland prohibits such facilities from being constructed within a certain distance of schools and bars private investors from developing them instead of the federal government. However, the investors behind the project did not back down, and there was a huge community outcry.
During public hearings on the proposal, Kish testified on behalf of the Guilford Park community, where her school is located, explaining that the school has a large population of immigrants and students of color who are often targeted by ICE. Despite being terrified of talking in front of so many people about such an important topic, she did it anyway. According to Kish, it was a “nerve-wracking” experience, and her hands were shaking during the entire process.
At the end of the video, Kish left a heartfelt piece of advice for people who have been fighting against the construction of ICE detention centers: “Use your voice during this time because your lack of speaking allows those who want others to suffer to be louder.”
The student’s actions were praised on social media. A person who watched the video, for instance, said that “the new generation really is making waves for the future,” and that it’s good that young people are using their voices to prevent anyone from “setting up a concentration camp in their backyard.”
Controversies Regarding ICE Detention Centers in Maryland Continue
The fight over this proposed detention center is only the latest chapter in Maryland’s ongoing controversy over immigrant detention facilities. Earlier in February, Representative Jamie Raskin spoke about the harsh living conditions faced by detainees in Baltimore.
At the time, the representative described inhumane conditions inside ICE facilities, including more than 55 people confined to a small cell with a single toilet and shower. The account sparked outrage online over the conditions in these centers.
