Behave? Disappear? Wear body cams? Take off the masks? Focus on actual criminals? Stay away from schools? 

And while we’re at it, why can’t the administration stop with the lying after agents kill a protester? I’m tempted to order a sweatshirt that reads “Domestic Terrorist” to display solidarity with protesters. Protesters with whistles and cameras are not domestic terrorists. Period.

That said, what do you think of the whistle strategy? This is a serious question. They agitate me. Yes, I’m sensitive to sounds, but when I watch the videos of protesters whistling, I tense up. I wonder what the whistling does to law enforcement. Does it make them edgier than they would otherwise be? More trigger happy? 

Most city cops in the US are trained in de-escalation tactics, that is, if protesters and targets are of a mind to de-escalate. They could help in some of the deportation efforts except where local jurisdictions have sanctuary policies. Sanctuary policies vary, but in general, they prohibit local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement actions. So, are these sanctuary policies wise? 

I get why they were enacted. Sanctuary provisions enable undocumented aliens to seek help if they are victims of crime. That’s important. Everyone who is a victim of a crime should be able to talk to police without fear that their immigration status will be used against them. But if local laws protect undocumented people who’ve been convicted of crimes, I’m less enthusiastic. Aren’t these the people who need to be deported? Is there a useful middle ground? 

I know I’m a wimp. I balked at “Defund the Police,” I can’t go all the way with trans activists: I think black lives matter, but I also think all lives matter, I support the right of Israel to exist as a Jewish state, but I’d support a Palestinian state if the Palestinians would support the right of Israel to exist as a Jewish state. 

Regarding immigration, I don’t see the need to be brutal in enforcing deportation of people who crossed the border in more lenient times. If people requested asylum, they have a right to plead their case. If we need more immigration judges to process an unusual number of applicants, then I’d rather add more judges than ICE agents. We will need young, healthy immigrants in the future. If someone survives the walk across the border, perhaps they’re healthy enough to be useful to us. That said, I’m fine with deporting criminals and policing our border as long as there is a realistic possibility of coming here legally. 

I’m torn because I want “reasonable” border policies. Still, Renee Good and Alex Pretti did not need to die. The vision of thugs in law enforcement uniforms is so abhorrent to me, that I just might need to join a protest in the near future. 

I’ll keep you posted.