To the editor:
I would like to respond to Richard Allen’s Letter to the Editor, in which he dismissed bystanders’ concerns over an ICE arrest and told us to stand by as agents “boldly appear” like the Gestapo and drag our neighbors away.
Not only are we a nation of immigrants—but Great Barrington is a community of immigrants: service workers, neighbors, and friends. I am proud we value inclusion and compassion in our towns. ICE’s midday raids on Main Street turn “routine arrests” into spectacles that can terrify children, seniors, and undocumented families who simply go to work or school. Yes, agents may be “normal people with families,” but hauling away neighbors with no violent criminal history conflicts with our values and lacks human decency.
We were told early on that ICE will only target “dangerous criminals,” yet they routinely sweep up anyone without papers, regardless of how long they have lived here or their community ties. This is not about safety; it is a quota-driven fishing expedition ordered by people like Stephen Miller.
Richard Allen calls it “misdirected anger” to question or film ICE agents. But in fact, asking “Why are you detaining my neighbor?” is a civic duty when someone’s rights may be violated. We owe it to each other to demand transparency, especially when masked agents in tactical gear show up without warning.
These raids also erode trust between families and local police. When unmarked vans arrive at 10 a.m., people hide instead of calling for help, fearing any knock could lead to deportation. That fear undermines community bonds and real public safety.
History will not be kind to those who cheered or stayed silent. Great Barrington can stand against fear and intimidation. I urge our community leaders to confirm that local law enforcement won’t assist in midday deportation sweeps, and I encourage residents to support “Know Your Rights” training and immigrant-support groups. If we truly believe in inclusion, we must speak up when powerful agencies trample our neighbors’ dignity. Turning away now erodes our community’s soul.
Robbie Cooper
Sheffield
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