My Cousin Runs ICE. He’s Killing the Same American Dream Granted to His Own Parents.

In Medium, Philippa PB Hughes writes that,

“[i]in August, my mother forwarded me an email. `Trump administration taps Vietnam refugee as new ICE chief,’ it said. I opened it, and learned that my cousin, Tony Pham, had just been appointed to lead U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Tony’s ascent to this position instilled great pride in my family, especially among the older members who skew politically conservative. I, however, was appalled that my cousin allowed his identity as a refugee to be used as cover for the enforcement of increasingly cruel and dehumanizing immigration policies. And I questioned my cousin’s claim that he had followed the `lawful path to citizenship,’ which doesn’t give a full picture of what really happened.”

Hughes has not talked to Pham, who  has not responded to her overtures.  she ends the article as follows:

“I do wish he would talk with me about our family’s history — and his own history. I am deeply committed to solving our country’s problems in partnership with my fellow Americans from across the political spectrum. This includes my cousin Tony. A healthy democracy depends on the give and take of respectful debate between citizens who hold opposing views like my cousin and me. When we face our differences instead of hiding behind our political identities, we move one step closer to creating the America we all want this country to be: a place of equality, liberty, and freedom for all.”

KJ