I apologize for the length of time between communication about this important issue. I was away from social media for about a month due to a personal matter. Since the last update, there have been two significant reports published.
The first is an extensive report from freelance reporter Phillip Tanzer. His article, which “aims to be respectful of the stated objectives of Sikh Dharma while being severely critical of ICE, and seeks answers to questions about the relationship Akal Security maintains with both,” has a definite point of view, with which you may or may not agree. However, the report is thoroughly sourced and attributed which makes it an important read for anyone interested in this issue. One of the key components of his writing is the careful explanation of how complex the ICE contracts and relationships are and, therefore, how murky the role of Akal (and other companies) is in operating/guarding the detention centers and the practices of separation and deportation. For example, through it's role in deportation transport, Akal guards can be involved indirectly in the most heinous of ICE practices. As the article states, “...it’s possible to have nothing to do with separating families (that would be Customs and Border Patrol at the border, or ICE when someone already in the U.S is targeted for removal), yet have everything to do with the detention management and transport of separated family members.” Another important report is from the Atlantic Monthly about the changes in culture, practice and policy at ICE since the takeover of the Trump administration and why the differences are genuine cause for alarm. This reading is especially essential if you have maintained skepticism regarding the severity of these issues or engaged in false equivalency between the current immigration policies and those of previous administrations. We now have 198 signatures on the petition. I intend to deliver the petition some time in September, depending upon various factors including the number of signatures. Please continue to publicize it on social media and among your colleagues and friends in your community.
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