UPDATE: A crucial conversation on the origins of deportation is set for this Saturday, August 15, 2025, in Logan Heights, San Diego. Prominent voices in the fields of history and film, Kelly Lytle Hernandez and Alex Rivera, will discuss the deep-rooted history of deportation and its chilling impact on current immigration policies.
This urgent event comes amidst a backdrop of intensified immigration enforcement across the United States, where violent ICE raids have become alarmingly common. As communities grapple with the fallout of these aggressive tactics, understanding the historical context of deportation has never been more critical.
In a powerful preview of the discussion, Professor Hernandez, a historian at UCLA and a 2019 MacArthur Genius Fellow, highlights the racial dynamics that have historically shaped U.S. immigration laws. As she explains, “We are in a crisis moment. Many of our community members are being targeted for detention and removal.”
Professor Hernandez plans to trace the origins of deportation back to the post-Civil War era, emphasizing the discriminatory laws that first targeted Chinese immigrants, notably the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act. This law not only barred Chinese laborers but laid the groundwork for systemic exclusion that persists today.
Meanwhile, Professor Rivera, a filmmaker and Arizona State University professor, reflects on the dangerous narratives surrounding immigration. He emphasizes that the current political climate mirrors historical discrimination: “The rhetoric we hear today echoes sentiments from the 19th century.” Rivera is currently working on a film titled “Banishment,” inspired by the story of Fang You Ting, one of the first individuals targeted by the modern deportation system.
Both experts warn of the normalization of deportation, illustrating how it has become an accepted mechanism of control in American society. Rivera expresses concern that “the border is being seen as natural, where deportations are normal.”
The event will not only delve into historical precedents but will also serve as a call to action, urging attendees to consider how history can inform future advocacy efforts. “We can keep fighting, whether it’s in the courts, in the streets, or elsewhere,” Hernandez asserts.
As the date approaches, community members are encouraged to engage in this vital dialogue on deportation’s origins and implications. This is more than just a historical lesson; it is a timely discussion on the rights of individuals and the moral obligations of society.
Join the conversation this Saturday in Logan Heights to understand the roots of deportation and explore pathways toward a more equitable immigration system. For more information, visit KPBS.
This discussion is not just a reflection on the past; it is a necessary examination of how we can resist and reshape the future of immigration policy.
