Fwd: El Paso's Community First Coalition opposes unjust immigration laws
Molly Molloy
From: kathy staudt <staud...@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Jun 26, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Subject: El Paso's Community First Coalition opposes unjust immigration laws
Hi Molly, listeros/as might be interested in the CFC op Ed appearing in the EP Times. Thank you, kathy
OPINION: Community First Coalition opposes unjust immigration laws, policies, harsh treatment
The Community First Coalition, a non-partisan network of organizations and leaders who empower El Pasoans through collaborative planning, policy advocacy, and community action; expresses its outrage at the harsh and cruel enforcement of immigration policies in our region. We are shocked at the wanton cruelty displayed by our federal government.
We oppose the recent mandate of the federal government to immigration court judges nationwide to dismiss scheduled asylum cases. While most judges are granting the dismissal, judges' decisions on cases have been either to "dismiss" or "extend" (release with a new court date). Witnesses have observed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, sometimes detains people granted extensions, thereby denying due process and making the individuals or families immediately deportable.
Many arrived at the courts in their finest clothing, eager to comply with the notice to appear, only to be whisked away by ICE agents without uniforms, often masked, to unmarked vans and then taken to detention centers and probable deportation. The immigrants are not criminals.
According to the U.S. Constitution, 5th Amendment: "No person shall be . . . deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law."
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.When in hearings, people have the right to (1) say no to "dismissals," (2) state their fear upon return to their countries if that is their case, and (3) seek appeal.
In some El Paso neighborhoods, unmarked vehicles comb the streets and alleys, sending fear and intimidation to all residents. Many people in our community are now living in greater fear given the present state of affairs. These are families who have been here for years and do not have impending immigration court cases but may have family members who are undocumented or are vulnerable for some related reason.
The Community First Coalition opposes unjust immigration laws, policies, and harsh treatment of migrants and other vulnerable communities. The CFC opposes the involvement of local law enforcement with immigration enforcement and ICE since this adversely affects their mission of protection, safety and good relations with community members.
Kathleen (Kathy) Staudt and Oscar Martinez are professor emeriti of political science and history respectively. The Community First Coalition may be reached at communit...@gmail.com.