DSA Grows in Western Mass Following National Election Upsets
Official statement from the Memphis-Midsouth Democratic Socialists of America in response to the continued killing of our neighbors by federal officials
The Memphis-Midsouth Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) mourn every life lost from the federal occupation of our city. Statements feel small in the face of such tragedy, but we will continue to make our opposition clear. Since this occupation began, at least four of our neighbors have been killed by members of this task force, including two this week alone.
These killings make the dangers of militarizing our communities devastatingly clear. Public safety cannot be built through occupation, intimidation, or violence. We reject the continued subjection of Memphis to armed patrols and escalating uses of force while the conditions that create insecurity are ignored. The militarization of Memphis serves a political agenda that treats Black and working-class communities as populations to be controlled, not people to be served.
We stand with the families of Darrin Pigram, Jonah Neal, Tyrin Johnson, and every person harmed by this campaign of militarization. We continue to call upon local and state officials who have failed us: end this military farce, and investigate these killings with full transparency and accountability. We will continue to build power with and for the multiracial working class, alongside the people and organizations fighting for the solidarity, dignity, and true safety that Memphis deserves.
Read more at Memphis-Midsouth
Buffalo DSA Mourns ICE and CBP Violence, Demands the Abolition of ICE, and Urges Community Solidarity
Buffalo DSA is saddened and angered to learn that ICE agents murdered another man, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, in Houston.
This tragedy is unfortunately not surprising. It is just the latest act of cruelty from ICE, CBP, and other federal agencies enacting the Trump Administration’s fascist agenda. Western New Yorkers saw this inhumanity firsthand after CBP killed Nurul Amin Shah Alam through their neglect and disregard for his life, but we also see it in day-to-day operations, which have not slowed down. Community responders such as BIRD report weekly kidnappings by ICE agents, and watchdog organizations continue to speak on the horrible conditions inside the Batavia Detention Center.
These murders and countless other human rights abuses expose ICE as agents of terror.
Federal agencies such as ICE have always had free reign to scapegoat immigrants and minorities, and categorize our neighbors as “threats,” all while greedy capitalists, in both mainstream parties, refuse to provide basic necessities for us.
ICE should have never existed. There is no way to reform what is, and always has been, a violent group of murderers. Abolishing ICE is the only option.
We urge our members and the broader community to stand up to ICE’s terror as much as you are able to safely, and remain informed for yourselves and your neighbors. Campaigns, organizations, and resources include (but are not limited to):
- Buffalo Immigrant and Refugee Defense (BIRD): A community response group dedicated to monitoring ICE and CBP activity in the greater Buffalo area. If you see ICE/CBP active in WNY, call or text 716-222-2190
- Evict ICE 250: A campaign dedicated to the removal of ICE field operations from 250 Delaware Avenue, where the wealthy Jacobs family profits off of detention and human suffering
- Justice for Migrant Families of Western New York: An organization that works to support migrants’ human and civil rights
- New York Immigration Coalition: An advocacy coalition that shares important updates and resources, including Know Your Rights materials, throughout the state
- [For DSA Members] DSA International Migrant Rights Working Group: A national working group in DSA helping train and support local DSA chapters in defending local migrant communities