Man arrested in Palo Alto, police said the man was arrested on a hate crime charge Friday morning after harassing a woman outside City Hall while shouting racial slogans. Photo: Palo Alto Police Department.
Palo Alto police say they arrested a man on a hate crime charge Friday morning after he harassed a woman outside City Hall while shouting racial slurs.
On Friday, January 24, at approximately 7:00 a.m., an off-duty Palo Alto Police Officer was flagged down by a woman in the 600 block of Ramona Street and advised that a man was chasing her. On-duty officers responded to the area but did not locate the man.
The investigation revealed that at approximately 6:55 a.m., the victim, a woman in her 40s, was walking through the Civic Center Plaza located at 250 Hamilton Avenue. As she approached the main entrance to City Hall, a man ran toward her, aggressively blocked her path, and shouted racial slurs directed at Asian people.
Fearing for her safety, the victim fled on foot with the suspect on her back, still screaming. Once she reached the street, the suspect stopped following her.
While officers were speaking with the victim, the Palo Alto Police Department reported, the 24-hour dispatch center received a call about a man harassing customers and weaving in and out of traffic in front of the Town and Country shopping center in the 00 block of Embarcadero Road.
So, he said, officers responded to the scene, detained the man and determined he was the suspect in the Civic Center Plaza incident. No new crimes had occurred at Town and Country.
Police arrested Gavin Lamar Mour, 44, of Palo Alto, at the Santa Clara County Main Jail for malicious obstruction and a hate crime (both misdemeanors).
A coalition of Quaker meetings has filed a lawsuit in Maryland to block DHS's abrupt policy change allowing immigration raids at places of worship.
On Monday, a coalition of Quaker religious groups filed a lawsuit in Maryland federal court to block the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) abrupt policy change that allows federal immigration officials to enter places of worship to carry out immigration enforcement actions.
The policy is already sowing fear among pro-immigrant congregations and has led to the cancellation of religious services out of fear, the lawsuit claims, while alleging that Trump's policy violates the First Amendment and other protections.
The plaintiffs, represented in the legal challenge by Democracy Forward, include the Philadelphia Congregation of the Religious Society of Friends, the New England Congregation of the Religious Society of Friends, the Baltimore Congregation of the Religious Society of Friends, the Adelphi Congregation of Friends of the Religious Society of Friends, and the Richmond Congregation of Friends of the Religious Society of Friends.
Democracy Forward notes that for decades the United States has protected sensitive sites, including houses of worship, from immigration enforcement activities out of concern that such activities prevent people from receiving essential services and participating in essential activities, such as worship.
Despite these long-standing protections, he says, the Trump administration’s DHS has changed course and immigration enforcement operations can now take place in protected areas such as churches and religious ceremonies like weddings and funerals, limited only by DHS’s instruction to use “common sense.”
The suit alleges that the presence of armed government agents in or near houses of worship disrupts the plaintiffs' ability to freely associate and worship. The suit also alleges that the abrupt change in policy violates federal law's prohibition against federal government agencies acting in an arbitrary and capricious manner.
“One week ago today, President Trump swore an oath to uphold the Constitution, and yet today, religious institutions that have existed in our country since the 17th century are having to go to court to challenge what amounts to a violation of the constitutional right of every person to practice their religion and associate freely,” said Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward.
“Our team is honored to represent Quaker meetings that have been at the forefront of protecting the values of religious freedom for centuries and will urge the court to act swiftly to stop this unlawful and harmful policy,” he added.
The plaintiff congregations said they have protected space for Quakers and other religious minorities to practice their religion. “Our faith requires us to do justice, oppose war and violence, love our neighbors (without exceptions) and make decisions with everyone present.”
In that regard, they said that the DHS policy prevents all of those things and invades sacred space and their ability to worship freely. “We are committed to continuing what we began more than 300 years ago: ensuring that people can practice their religion.”
Just hours after taking office, Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders which together indicate that the nation is determined to shut out those seeking refuge here. Yii-Jan Lin, an adjunct professor of New Testament at Yale Divinity School, says Trump's depiction of immigrants as invaders continues a long tradition in this country which draws on the language of the Bible, and specifically the Book of Revelation. “The Apocalypse is useful when you want to single someone out as an enemy and seek their destruction,” Lin says. She spoke with EMS editor Peter Schurmann. (Featured image via flickr)
What first led you to examine the links between the Bible, and specifically the Book of Revelation, and immigration?
I started thinking about this project in the Bay Area. I was teaching at the Pacific School of Religion, part of the Berkeley consortium of theological schools, and I was asked to lead a seminar on some biblical texts in the context of immigration and the AAPI community. Place names in the Bay Area are pretty heavenly. There’s the Golden Gate. Early Chinese immigrants called San Francisco “Gold Mountain.” Angel Island is where newcomers from Asia were held. That got me thinking about the United States, its self-conception as a shining city on a hill, a kind of apocalyptic destiny.
What do you mean by apocalyptic and how does that apply to immigrants? ?
In the ancient sense, the term apocalyptic suggests a revelation, like an unveiling. And that can be good or bad, depending on which side you're on. In the ancient Jewish and Christian mindset, it meant showing the believer the reality behind everything. In the first-century context, if you believed that God's justice would fall on your side, then you were in a good position, right? But if you are revealed to be an enemy of God, then all of God's wrath, in the form of plagues and earthquakes and floods, will fall upon you. And that ties into how we describe immigrants, either as welcomed, coming to this golden, shining place of refuge, or rejecting them as enemies of God.
You have described the Christian journey as similar to the experience of immigrants. Can you tell us more about this?
Americans who oppose immigration, specifically from non-European countries, have long depicted immigrants in terms that draw heavily on the apocalyptic narrative found in the Book of Revelation, says Professor Yii-Jan Lin.
That is the Christian view, that everyone who believes is a pilgrim on his way to the City of God. In some parts of the New Testament, there is an understanding that the world is not our home. In his Letter to the Philippians, Paul says that your citizenship is in heaven, not anywhere on earth. So there is that sense of being a foreigner, a citizen of another place.
What do biblical sources tell us about immigrants?
Much of this comes from the Hebrew Bible, what Christians call the Old Testament, where we have the Israelites as strangers in Egypt, and then as travelers in the wilderness, and finally coming to the promised land. Then we have the Torah, the giving of the law, in which God says: Remember, you were once strangers in Egypt. Therefore, you must treat the stranger in your land with compassion, with justice. That is a big theme in Jewish law and Israelite law. When we come to the New Testament, there is the remembrance of that. So, we find in this new construction of a Christian identity that they are still travelers on the road. It is an important theme that is taken up explicitly when talking about strangers or newcomers, the idea of doing unto others what is good for them, of having compassion or showing mercy.
That message of mercy was the focus of a sermon delivered by Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde. after his inauguration On the other side are Christians who say that we must defend the country from immigrants. How can we reconcile these opposing interpretations?
They represent very different aspects of the Christian Bible. The book of Revelation describes ultimate realities in which the Kingdom of God is finally realized. That’s it, we’ve reached the end of all mercy or compassion. So identifying a nation state with God’s country is especially dangerous because you’re putting that absolute over a place, over a certain kind of people. I would say that white supremacists make that claim. That’s a very different text than what we find in the Gospels, in which we have the story of Jesus’ life. They’re two different genres with different purposes. Revelation is useful when you want to single someone out as an enemy and seek their destruction. It’s not so useful to take the teachings of Jesus, who says, Love your enemies.
What is the broader message of the Bible when it comes to nationalism and borders?
That's a huge question. If we think about it in a historical sense, the nation-state didn't exist back then, but there were kingdoms, with different categories of belonging or not belonging, and conflicts between some of those identities. We have the conflict between the Canaanites and the Israelites, the exile and the land grab in Israelite history. When we get into the New Testament, we have the domination of the Roman Empire and the resistance to it. Revelation is an interesting book because it resists the Empire, but replaces it with the Empire of God, which is problematic because it thinks of heaven as a bigger and better Rome. God's throne room looks a lot like a Roman imperial court. But there are places where you find a call to compassion, a call to break down dividing walls, a call to reconciliation between different ethnic groups. Acts 2 is often presented as a inclusion point for the different ethnic groups in Jerusalem, who hear the Word of God in their respective languages. There are moments when one sees multiplicity and a sense of reconciliation.
'Uncle Sam's Farm in Danger': An 1878 G.F. Keller cartoon depicts Chinese emigrants fleeing famine. The Wasp via Wikimedia Commons
Your book offers historical examples of how the United States drew on the Apocalypse when formulating its policies toward immigrants. What did these entail, specifically?
Some of the clearest examples we have are the laws targeting Chinese immigrants, which began in 1875 and then in the 20th century. Arguments in the Senate at the time portrayed the Chinese as pagans, not belonging to a Christian nation, so why allow them in? They were said to be arriving in large numbers. One cartoon from the time depicts Chinese immigrants as locusts, like a divine plague. Others link immigrants to disease. The worst possible treatment is at the US-Mexico border, when, beginning in the 1910s, Mexicans were believed to be the most likely to be carriers of typhoid fever. Like in the Apocalypse, where people can only enter through the gates after washing their robes, workers entering through the border had to get a ticket to bathe. They literally had to wash themselves to enter through the gates. But officials also sprayed them with kerosene to kill ticks or lice that they thought could carry typhoid fever. There was a fire that killed people because of that. They also sprayed and dusted them with DDT and Zyklon B, absolutely carcinogenic and horrible. There's a part of an interview where a Mexican migrant worker described being sprayed with powder and joked afterwards, “I guess we're all gringos now, huh?” because of the white powder that covered him.
Reports suggest the Trump administration is now looking for a new health threat as grounds to reinstate Title 42.
It's a repeat of history. It started with the Chinese and COVID, and then it moved to the border. It's the same thing.
Yii-Jan Lin is an adjunct professor of New Testament at Yale Divinity School, where she teaches critical study of ancient texts and their interpretation, especially in relation to race and gender. She is the author of Immigration and the Apocalypse , which explores religious, biblical, and apocalyptic themes in the history of American immigration.
Trump administration officials have ordered ICE agents to limit arrest and deportation quotas.
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Officials in the Donald Trump administration have ordered U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to make at least 1,200 to 1,500 arrests a day in the country for deportation purposes, because, for the president, the results have not been as expected.
This was reported by the newspaper Washington Post, which states that “the president has been disappointed with the results of his mass deportation campaign so far, according to four people with knowledge of the briefings.”
The four people, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the “quota” of arrests to be filled was ordered during a call with top ICE officials on Saturday, telling them that each field agent must make 75 arrests a day.
He also explained that the superiors of these agents will be held responsible if their subordinates do not achieve this goal.
Such demands are likely to lead officers to engage in indiscriminate arrest practices and even violate civil and human rights in order to meet quotas.
This weekend, President Donald Trump’s “border czar,” Tom Homan, and Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove were in Chicago for the start of accelerated immigration enforcement operations in the city.
Homan defended the mass arrests.
“That’s what President Trump has been saying since day one,” Homan said in a one-on-one interview with NBC News on Sunday. “We’re going to focus on public safety threats first, and that’s what we’re doing here today.”
It should be noted that these arrests in Chicago were joined by various federal agencies.
“There are a lot of targets, a lot of teams looking,” Homan said. “I can tell you that the last time I looked at the board, I think we have six people who are serious sex offenders, we have at least two or three TDA gang members, two other gangs that were convicted of murder, manslaughter, aggravated sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, some bad guys.”
The official said that, although they are targeting immigrants on criminal charges, there are “collateral arrests.” Federal forces and immigration authorities have focused on so-called “sanctuary cities” such as Chicago and Los Angeles, among others.
“In a sanctuary city, if we can’t put the bad guys in jail, we’ll go into the community looking for them, and when we find them, if they’re with others who are here illegally, they’ll go too,” he said.
According to ICE, 956 arrests were made and 554 people were brought before authorities on Sunday, January 26.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement made arrests in the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco. Screenshot from video shared on social media.
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The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service (ICE) made at least one arrest in the heart of the Tenderloin neighborhood in San Francisco, according to a statement released by the agency. video which quickly went viral on social networks like Facebook, X and TikTok.
In his X official accountICE reported on Sunday, January 26, on the fulfillment of its obligations, reporting a total of 956 arrests and 554 people brought before the authorities. The information was accompanied by an official update that reinforced the actions carried out.
The video, which lasts one minute and nine seconds, shows several plainclothes officers, some wearing vests with the legend “ICE Police” and traveling in unofficial vehicles. They use weapons of various calibers.
One of the vehicles identified was a black Subaru with license plate 9HDJ163. In the video footage, a verbal exchange can be seen between the person recording and one of the officers, who questions him for making the recording. The response of the person who made the video was clear: “I am a citizen.”
The video, titled “ICE at Larkin and O’Farrell,” went viral, drawing attention to ICE activities in an area known for its cultural diversity. The Tenderloin neighborhood is home to a large number of Latinos, mostly of Mexican origin, and is recognized as an important district for San Francisco’s transgender community.
The images and reports have sparked a broad debate about the actions of immigration authorities and their effects on vulnerable communities. There are migrant populations that are very concerned and have stopped going to work and sending their children to school.
It is worth mentioning that several residents of the Tenderloin neighborhood confirmed the presence of ICE personnel yesterday, although no one is willing to provide further information out of fear.
In the face of President Donald Trump's racist, misogynistic, xenophobic and hateful rhetoric, California has an opportunity to become a bastion of resistance.
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In the face of President Donald Trump's racist, misogynistic, xenophobic and hateful rhetoric, which began during his campaign and has been applied since day one of his second term, California has the opportunity to become a bastion of resistance to protect its residents, with the help of local organizations and leaders.
This was stated by Deirdre Schifeling, director of policy and advocacy at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), who pointed out that “this is not Trump's America.”
“This moment of urgency requires all of us to step up, and with 40 million people calling this state home and the fifth-largest economy in the world, California has the opportunity and responsibility to lead the front lines of resistance,” he said during a rally in Sacramento.
“California leaders must act now to protect their constituents. This is not Trump’s America. This is not the America of Project 2025. This is our America,” the activist stressed.
In this regard, Schifeling called on residents of the Golden State to join this resistance.
“We invite all Californians to join the fight for freedom, and we urge local and state leaders to do their part. We want Trump to know that he will not only see the ACLU in the courts, he will also see us in state legislatures and on the streets,” she stressed.
Gavin Newsom set out to prepare anti-Trump efforts in California before he took office as president. Earlier this month, the state legislature passed a $50 million bill to fight his agenda, with the governor's support.
For his part, Assemblyman Mike Gipson told reporters Tuesday afternoon that “fighting” Trump’s policies was one of the top priorities for lawmakers this legislative session.
“This administration has signed executive orders to divide this country,” she said. “Now more than ever, we must come together to organize and show this president that we will not back down.”
“Now more than ever we must unite and organize ourselves and show this president that we will not back down, that we will continue to fight and protect our communities,” she said.
The official joined the calls to protect the most vulnerable from Trump's rhetoric.
“It reminds me of something we say in the African-American community: ‘I stand with my brother,’ and we say, ‘Yes, we are.’ We will be strong and proud. Our voices will be heard in California and beyond because you are not alone,” he added.
The issue of denying birthright citizenship has generated a range of opinions, and a federal judge in Seattle temporarily blocked the decree, thus beginning a fight that seems to be a long one, as the president has already threatened to appeal the decision and fulfill his campaign promise.
After President Donald Trump began his administration with a series of court orders, including one denying birthright citizenship, a federal judge in Seattle temporarily blocked the decree, thus beginning a fight that seems to be a long one, as the president has already threatened to appeal the decision and fulfill his campaign promise.
The decision was made by Judge John C. Coughenour, who, with his resolution, prevents the application of the controversial measure for at least 14 days; however, the situation could be extended and become a long term.
This resolution joins the multiple lawsuits against the measure. So far, four states – Washington, Arizona, Illinois and Oregon – have filed appeals to prevent the executive order from going into effect at the end of February, arguing that it violates the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution.
“This is a blatantly unconstitutional order,” the judge said of the ordinance. “I have been on the court for four decades. I cannot recall anything that is as clear-cut as this.”
The states suing the executive order noted that: “Nothing in the Constitution gives the President, federal agencies, or anyone else the authority to impose conditions on the granting of citizenship to persons born in the United States.”
However, Donald Trump announced that he will appeal Judge Coughenour's decision.
Trump, who is not surprised by the judge's decision, said from the Oval Office: “No. Obviously, we will appeal. They filed it with a certain judge in Seattle, I guess. Right? And there are no surprises with that judge.”
It should be noted that 22 states, the city of San Francisco and the District of Columbia, as well as several civil rights organizations, have sued the Trump Administration for seeking to eliminate birthright citizenship.
These lawsuits seek to challenge the unconstitutional executive order that would affect tens of thousands of babies born each year in the United States.
The lawsuit, led by California, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, argues that President Trump’s unprecedented executive order violates the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Section 1401 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and should be immediately blocked from taking effect while litigation is ongoing.
The executive order signed by Trump, entitled “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship,” states that the Fourteenth Amendment has never been interpreted as a universal extension of citizenship to all persons born in the United States.
The Citizenship Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment explicitly promises that “all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”
The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed this constitutional right in 1898, when a Chinese-American man born in San Francisco was denied entry to the United States after visiting relatives in China on the grounds that he was not a citizen.
The order directs federal agencies to prospectively deny citizenship rights to children born in the United States whose parents are not legal residents, orders the Social Security Administration and the Department of State, respectively, to stop issuing Social Security numbers and U.S. passports to these children, and directs all federal agencies to treat these children as if they were not entitled to any privileges, rights, or benefits that are reserved by law to persons who are U.S. citizens.
If the order is allowed to stand, it would deprive tens of thousands of children born each year of their ability to be full and fair participants in American society as legitimate citizens, with all the benefits and privileges that come with it, the lawsuit says.
Erika Portillo, an immigration attorney with 18 years of experience defending the rights of migrants, says that information and preparation are the best tools to face any situation.
News about immigration raids and mass deportations can generate fear and anxiety in migrant communities, so it is important to know that information and preparation are the best tools to face any situation, warned immigration attorney with 18 years of experience, Erika Portillo.
The lawyer from Golden Gate University School of Law and the National Autonomous University of Morelos State, who has dedicated her career to defending the rights of migrants and guiding them through the most difficult moments, especially in family matters and removal proceedings, gave a clear message: “Not everything is as it is painted. Know your rights and prepare yourself, because that can make the difference.”
In an exclusive interview with Península 360 Press, the litigator offered a “practical guide” based on her experience, “we can call it the ABC that every migrant should know to protect themselves and act safely; it is clear, accessible and useful advice for everyone.”
What to expect from migration policies
Portillo clarifies that raids are not usually indiscriminate. “The initial focus of the authorities will be on people with serious crimes or with deportation orders who never attended their hearings. In addition, in states like California, the police do not cooperate with immigration in minor cases.”
He explained that a common scenario is that officers from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service (ICE) in the United States arrive with a specific order for one person, but take the opportunity to question other people present.
“If you say that you do not have documents, they already have a basis to take you away. That is why it is essential to know that you have the right not to answer questions about your immigration status.”
A: Prepare for the unexpected
Preparation is your first line of defense. Erika Portillo insists that being prepared will give you confidence and help you handle any situation calmly.
Always have your documents at hand:
Carry a valid form of identification, such as a current passport or license. “The passport is the queen of IDs, even if it takes a while to arrive, it is crucial to have it.”
If you have a work permit, do not go out without it.
Memorize a phone number: Learn the number of a trusted family member or friend who can contact you with an attorney in case of an emergency.
Plan ahead if you have children:
Prepare a care authorization (Caregiver Authorization) or a legal power to ensure that someone can take care of your children if necessary.
Avoid unnecessary problems:
Comply with local laws, such as keeping your license and insurance in good standing if you drive.
Never carry false documents; this can seriously complicate your situation.
B: What to do if you are arrested?
Portillo emphasizes that staying calm and respectful is essential: “Never argue or be rude. Respond firmly and respectfully, but avoid conflict.”
If ICE knocks on your door:
Ask who they are and if they have a court order.
Ask to see the warrant and have it slipped under the door.
If they don't have a valid warrant, respond, "Unfortunately, I can't let you in without a court order."
If they ask about your immigration status:
Calmly say, “I’d rather not answer that question.”
Do not admit that you are undocumented or sign documents without first speaking to an attorney.
If you are arrested:
Ask to speak to a lawyer immediately: “I want to speak to my lawyer before making any decisions.”
Ask to speak to your consulate for guidance and support.
Ask about your bail options: “Can I have a bail hearing?”
Erika points out: “Even if you are arrested, you have rights. The only thing that can harm you is signing documents without understanding them. Always ask to speak to a lawyer before making any decision.”
C: Know your rights
Even if you are undocumented, you have fundamental rights within the United States. Here are the main ones:
Right to a hearing: You have the right to have your case evaluated by a judge before you are deported.
Right to legal representation: You can hire a lawyer or seek help from non-profit organizations.
Right to bail: You can apply for bail while you wait for your hearing.
Protection in legal proceedings: If you are involved in custody, divorce, or domestic violence cases, do not be afraid to appear in court. California does not cooperate with ICE on these matters.
A message of calm and hope
“Don’t be afraid!” Portillo emphasizes. “Panic is what can hurt you the most. In California we are protected by laws that support migrants, and the police do not work with ICE in minor cases. If you are the victim of a crime, call the authorities; your safety is a priority.”
The lawyer also reminds us that there are resources available: “If you cannot afford a private lawyer, there are non-profit organizations ready to help you. The important thing is that you do not feel alone.”
Useful resources
Non-profit organization: Stand Together Contra Costa: [standtogethercontracosta.org](https://standtogethercontracosta.org)
Baraka Carter Announced as New Fire Chief, Chief Carter joins Redwood City with over 25 years of experience in the fire service, most recently serving as Fire Chief for the Santa Clara CAL FIRE unit.
City Manager Melissa Stevenson Diaz announced Baraka Carter as the new head of the Redwood City Fire Department, which also provides fire services to the city of San Carlos.
The city council said Chief Carter, who begins his duties on Feb. 24, was selected after a rigorous national recruiting process “that sought a proven leader who values collaboration and community engagement and who could effectively guide the department into the future.”
Chief Carter joins Redwood City with more than 25 years of fire service experience, having most recently served as Fire Chief for the Santa Clara CAL FIRE Unit, the South Santa Clara County Fire District and the City of Morgan Hill Fire Department.
“Throughout his career, he has demonstrated excellence in emergency response, fire prevention and organizational leadership. He has served and protected communities and residents living in and near urban and forested areas,” the city said.
Stevenson Diaz said Chief Carter is a dedicated, competent and collaborative leader whose experience and innovative approach will raise the bar for fire services in both Redwood City and San Carlos.
“His demonstrated ability to build strong teams, foster community trust and lead with integrity will be invaluable as we continue our commitment to public safety and service excellence. I especially appreciate his track record of effective community engagement and welcoming community members into the fire service,” he said.
Carter is actively involved in community-focused initiatives, including her work with the National Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, and other grassroots organizations dedicated to equity and public service.
As Fire Chief, Carter will lead a dedicated team of firefighters and emergency personnel, overseeing critical initiatives such as public education programs, disaster preparedness, and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to enhance response capabilities. He will also focus on fostering strong relationships with regional partners and stakeholders to enhance the department’s ability to serve the evolving needs of Redwood City and San Carlos.
“It is a great honor for me to join the Redwood City Fire Department and serve the residents of Redwood City and San Carlos,” said Chief Carter. “I look forward to building meaningful connections with the community, working collaboratively to ensure safety and preparedness, and furthering the department’s tradition of excellence.”
Chief Carter is a certified fire officer, a Type 1 Incident Commander, and a Hazardous Materials Specialist. He is nearing completion of his Bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration and has served on several state committees, including the State Committee on Emergency Medical Services, where he contributed to the development of statewide Emergency Medical Services (EMS) policies and practices. Additionally, he is a certified instructor in multiple fire and safety disciplines.
Jose was my friend. He knew my family and I knew his. Now he is gone and America is poorer for it. Photo: Manuel Ortiz
By Laszlo Bartus
NAPLES, Fla. – I often visit the Hispanic part of this city. I prefer this neighborhood; it’s more human, more welcoming than the opulent oceanfront mansions of American billionaires. I even have a monthly membership at a car wash here, where almost everyone who works is probably undocumented. They are incredibly friendly, greeting me from afar, waving and always offering to help.
Everyone feels like a friend.
On the first day of Trump’s presidency, I inadvertently wandered into the car wash. The place offered free vacuuming, and the small garage there was usually packed with people. But that day, it was empty. A feeling of deep sadness hung in the air. I had a bad feeling.
A bored white guy was standing at the car wash. I had never seen him before and he didn’t say hello. Had he replaced the workers who had been there before? I walked into the store and asked, “Where’s Jose?” The cashier, a young woman, looked down.
Jose was my friend. He knew my family and I knew his, at least from photos. Jose came to the United States alone and sent money home, working for the day when he could bring his family back.
The cashier finally broke the silence: “Jose is no longer here.” I knew we were friends, that we joked a lot. He had always been there to help me. Now, he was gone. “And the others?” I asked. “They are gone too,” she replied.
I was speechless. Were people just disappearing?
“They had just left,” he explained. “If I had known, I would have given José some money as a token of friendship, but he didn’t even dare take that risk. The last time he shook my hand firmly, looking me in the eye as he said goodbye, I should have known.”
I stood there, stunned, with a deep emptiness and pain. They had taken my friends, people who were part of my life and who now had to flee and hide in the “land of the free.” That’s fascism: neighbors who disappear, who slip away into the shadows.
I wonder what life will be like without the migrant community here. Everything will seem emptier, poorer. Will life really be better without them? Did these people, who, as we say in Hungarian, “worked for a miserable wage,” really disturb the happiness of Americans?
And for the rich people who fly here in their private jets like kings, surrounded by staff who cater to their every whim to make sure their golf clubs are perfectly aligned, who will mow their lawn in 110-degree heat? Who will tend to their gardens, work in the fields? How many businesses will go under? How many Joses will disappear? Will there be raids even on Trump's hotels?
These people have always contributed to the creation of America. They lived and worked here under the law of supply and demand. It is not their fault that the immigration system collapsed decades ago, leaving them without a legal avenue to enter the country. But their work was invaluable; they enriched this country.
There are exactly as many undocumented workers in the United States as the economy needs. If they don't work, they starve; there is no welfare to "live on."
And yet, it is ironic that these migrants are forced to flee while Trump pardons 1,600 people convicted of the assault on the US Capitol on January 6, 2020, some of whom violently attacked police officers. Compared to them, what crime did José commit?
However, the raids are coming They will attack schools, terrorize children; they will invade churches, not taking into account that these are houses of God, a refuge for the persecuted. This is blasphemy, and yet the heavens do not open.
At Trump's post-inauguration prayer service, Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde He addressed the president directly , urging him to be merciful and compassionate towards immigrants, foreigners and all those he has attacked. His words, it seems, fell on deaf ears.
Jose and his companions did not take anything from the Americans. They were the ones who were exploited. If America were truly great, it would allow people like them to live and work here in peace, legalize their status, and bring their families here. Hate is not great. Love is.
I don't know where Jose is, but wherever he is, may God bless him. God hears the cries of people like him. America is losing a lot, not only physically and economically, but above all, morally. The pain that has been installed by the car wash will spread throughout America. A country that persecutes its people into hiding cannot be happy.
Jose, wherever you are, know that there are good people here who love you. May God bless you and keep you. Thank you for your kindness, your help, and your friendship.
My family is heartbroken, we are all in shock at the news. We hope you will return one day.
Laszlo Bartus is the owner and editor of American New Year , the oldest Hungarian-language newspaper in the country, based in New York City.
