Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s #Pride tweet conceals a violent history

June 28, 2021

During #PrideMonth, we recognize our #LGBTQ+ employees, reflect on the trials that their community has endured and rejoice with them in the triumphs of those who have bravely fought — and continue to fight — for full equality. pic.twitter.com/PrfR5phoOm

— ICE (@ICEgov) June 16, 2021

Jessica Ordaz and Alejandra Portillos for the Washington Post remind us today of the homophobic history of the operation and enforcement of the U.S. immigration laws. As they note, “ICE’s [Tweet above on June 16], that immigration enforcement and LGBTQ equality can be compatible, is uniquely dangerous because it conceals a violent history of immigration enforcement that has targeted and harmed LGBTQ people in the name of policing borders.” (bold added).

The anti-LBGTQ history is not ancient history:

“While formal bars on LGBTQ migrants ended with the passage of the Immigration Act of 1990, many restrictions remained, including the ban on people with HIV until 2010. Immigrants in same-sex relationships were denied access to marriage-based visas and benefits and lived with the threat of deportation — until 2013 when the Supreme Court overturned the Defense of Marriage Act.”

Posted in:

Current Affairs