Letter to the editor: My thoughts on immigration

First published in the Brunswick Beacon, 01.29.26

I’m upset about much that is happening in this country. For this letter, I’m concentrating on immigration.

In case anyone has forgotten, before the election the Republicans and Democrats had agreed on a comprehensive bill for immigration. Trump, who at the time was running for office, called the Republicans and asked them not to vote to pass the bill. So, the bill did not pass. Trump then ran on stopping people from entering this country illegally and promised to arrest and deport criminals already in this country illegally.

I agree that criminals should not be allowed to enter this country. The operative word is “criminals.” After Trump was elected, ICE went berserk (with permission) and began arresting people of color, white people, immigrants who have been in this country for years, protesters, children (recently a 5-year old) and clergy. Not many criminal immigrants have been arrested and deported.

ICE has a larger budget than the Department of Defense. It seems ICE has no rules, ICE wears war-type combat clothes, ICE wears masks at all times — like they are the criminals — and some carry automatic war-type weapons. ICE has invaded many cities in this country, all Democratic cities not Republican. This is not the 1940s in Germany, even though it’s beginning to look that way.

This must stop. I’m heartened that thousands of people: Republicans, Independents, Democrats and non-affiliated, in every state, are out in the streets protesting. I believe the protesters are making a difference.

I also believe change will happen if everyone votes in every local and national election. Every vote does matter. Trump has not delivered on his promises. We the people must stop this “run-away train.”

Ginger Trapanotto

Ocean Isle Beach