When I first journeyed to Suffolk County eight years ago to work with religious, civic, and immigrant rights groups facing growing anti-immigrant activity stoked by the Federation for American Immigration Reform, I was stunned to witness the depth of anger and hostility that the group’s organizer had helped unleash. It all started “respectably” enough. But the attempt in 2000 by neo-Nazis to kill two Mexican workers was a harbinger of where growing, unchecked anti-immigrant fever and fervor could go; other violence followed. Now, an Ecuadoran immigrant, is dead at the hands of area youth who reportedly set out to beat up “some Mexicans,” bringing the tragedy of Suffolk County to its inevitable end.
In those early days Newsday tagged Suffolk County “ground zero” of a growing anti-immigrant movement. It was indeed. And now the harvest is in.
After years of working nationwide to counter racist and hate group activity, we know that unchecked, unleashed opposition to “the other” breeds hatred and—all too often—violence. But too many communities take the “it can’t happen here” road of response, readily dismissing the impact and effect of lethargy, language, and legislation that fans the flames of hatred. Think about it: for years Suffolk County children and youth have lived and learned in such a cauldron. Can they really be unaffected by it?
In spite of the County Executive’s disingenuous assertion that this murder was “a question of bad people doing horrific things,” his own hands are now stained. After riding the political wave of anti-immigrant activity and openly sidling up to Federation for American Immigration Reform and its front group of elected officials for “immigration reform,” the proverbial buck stops on his desk. He can run but not hide.
But the harvest also rests on the desks of Federation for American Immigration Reform, which is so adept at stoking the fires and fanning the flames of anti-immigrant activity across the country—and then feigning innocence. This is an organization of suits and ties and respectability in Washington, with front groups that play its ugly hand elsewhere, in places like Suffolk County. One of its former lobbyists heads up the so-called House Immigration Reform Caucus, which seeks to stifle and stop “illegal” immigration. Its ads run in national publications paint pictures of concern about the environment and energy. But its roots in organizations and funders steeped in racism belie its current incarnation.
The people, organizations, coalitions, and religious and civic leaders of Suffolk County that have worked so hard for so long to stem the hatred have been valiant, courageous, and steady in their efforts. I recall with fondness all the conversations I have had with them as they worked so hard to build community and justice with all the residents of the entire County, and as they sought to prevent violence. In light of the cloud of anti-immigrant sentiment and activity that has hung over the County for so long, they have been undaunted. Their commitment and work deserve support.
Mr. Lucero was loved by a family and friends. He worked hard and struggled to make a living. He deserved life, not violent death. Those who attacked and killed him are also loved. They deserve justice.
Much will be written and said of this tragedy that has enveloped families from Suffolk County to Ecuador. More important than the words are the actions that might come of it.
Anti-immigrant activity must be countered, curtailed, stopped. It is first cousin to America’s legacy of racism aimed at the Black community, which is also a target of its agenda. Its roots and its harvest are hate and death, cultivated on the grounds we all call home. Suffolk County is better than that. Make it home for everyone.
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