Key Takeaways
- At least 32 individuals have died while in ICE custody in the last year, making it the deadliest year on record for the agency.
- ICE and border patrol agents have ramped up aggressive tactics, including conducting raids of protected areas like school grounds, hospitals, and places of worship.
- A new #BeGood campaign has been launched to honor the memory of Rene Good, Keith Porter Jr., and others who have faced violence at the hands of ICE agents.
- Celebrities attending the Golden Globe Awards showed support for the campaign by wearing small lapel pins emblazoned with the phrase "Be Good" and "ICE Out."
- The campaign is a joint effort by a coalition of civil rights and immigration organizations, including the ACLU, Working Families Power, and National Domestic Workers Alliance.
Introduction to the Issue
The recent actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have sparked widespread controversy and criticism. On January 7, Rene Good, a 37-year-old Minneapolis mother, was shot and killed by federal agent Jonathan Ross while in her car. This incident has brought attention to the aggressive tactics employed by ICE and border patrol agents, which have resulted in the deaths of at least 32 individuals in the last year. The Trump administration’s direction to ramp up deportation demands has led to raids of protected areas, including school grounds, hospitals, and places of worship.
The #BeGood Campaign
In response to the growing concern over ICE’s actions, a grassroots coalition of civil rights and immigration organizations has launched the #BeGood campaign. The campaign aims to honor the memory of Rene Good, Keith Porter Jr., and others who have faced violence at the hands of ICE agents. The coalition includes organizations such as the ACLU, Working Families Power, and National Domestic Workers Alliance. The campaign’s symbol is a small lapel pin emblazoned with the phrase "Be Good" and "ICE Out," which has been worn by celebrities attending the Golden Globe Awards.
Celebrity Support for the Campaign
Several celebrities have shown their support for the #BeGood campaign by wearing the lapel pins during the Golden Globe Awards. Mark Ruffalo, a vocal activist, wore the pin and expressed his concerns about the situation, stating that he couldn’t pretend that everything was "normal." Jean Smart, who won an award for her role in Hacks, also wore the pin and encouraged people to "keep their heads" and "do the right thing." Other celebrities, including Wanda Sykes, Natasha Lyonne, Tessa Thompson, Ariana Grande, and Bella Ramsey, have also shown their support for the campaign.
The Impact of the Campaign
The #BeGood campaign has brought attention to the issue of ICE’s aggressive tactics and the need for accountability. The campaign’s use of social media and celebrity endorsements has helped to raise awareness about the issue and mobilize public support. The campaign’s organizers have stated that they will continue to push for justice and accountability, and that they will not be silenced. The campaign’s message is clear: it is time to take a stand against the violent and aggressive actions of ICE and to demand a more just and compassionate approach to immigration.
Conclusion
The #BeGood campaign is a powerful example of how social activism and celebrity endorsements can come together to bring attention to important issues. The campaign’s message is clear: it is time to stand up against the violent and aggressive actions of ICE and to demand a more just and compassionate approach to immigration. As the campaign continues to gain momentum, it is likely that we will see more celebrities and public figures speaking out against ICE’s actions and advocating for change. The #BeGood campaign is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope for a better future, and that together, we can make a difference.