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Author Archives: Rachel L.

Iowa Raids Coverage Round-up

Posted by Rachel L. on May 22, 2008

Here are three articles covering the unfolding situation in Postville, Iowa after last week’s ICE raid of the Agriprocessor’s meatpacking plant.

  • In Postville, the community struggles to cope with the aftermath of the largest raid in national history. While some families are still not able to communicate with detainees, local religious leaders have stepped up to provide support to families impacted by the raid. Local government officials are also “taking a proactive role in using all available resources” to help those in need. Read the full article - includes information for supporting the cause.
  • Immigrant advocates met with the Iowa Civil Rights Commision in order to demand more accessible communcation between detainees and their family members and loved ones. Many of the detainees’ family members have been unable to contact them since the raid. This lack of communication causes serious problems in planning for deportation and also increases families’ anxieties about the process. Although ICE has taken steps to help families communicate, local advocates are saying their efforts are not enough. Read full article here.
  • 140 people have plead guilty on various charges in the legal proceedings following the raid in Postville. Plea bargains are being offered for reduced (or no) jail time. Meanwhile, more reports are surfacing of physical and sexual abuse allegations against Agriprocessors. Read full article here.
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Cable News and Immigration: “Fear and Loathing in Prime Time”

Posted by Rachel L. on May 21, 2008

The Media Matter Action Network recently published their report on a study of Cable News programs and how they treat the issue of illegal immigration. By studying cable news commentators Lou Dobbs, Bill O’Reilly and Glenn Beck, the report sheds light onto the propagation of immigration myths and how the anti-immigrant message is dissemenated to the general public. The findings are detailed and shocking. By creating a culture of fear, these programs often deliver inaccurate and outlandish information that goes unchecked by their broader viewing audience. The report analyzes a number of myths about immigration, debunking them and demonstrating how each commentator has worked to perpetuate them. It also offers detailed information on the content of the programs and a list of direct quotes from various commentators and pundits that cultivate a culture of fear, anger and hate.

An excerpt:

Media Matters Action Network undertook this study in order to document how immigration is discussed and debated on cable news. When it comes to immigration, cable news overflows not just with vitriolic rhetoric, but also with a series of myths that feed viewers’ resentment and fears, fostering hostility toward immigrants.

We focus our analysis on a trio of cable commentators: Lou Dobbs, Bill O’Reilly, and Glenn Beck. While hosts on other cable programs regularly discuss illegal immigration (particularly on Fox News, where it is a frequent topic on Hannity & Colmes and Special Report with Brit Hume), these three are the most notable for a number of reasons. On their eponymous programs, Dobbs, O’Reilly, and Beck serve up a steady diet of fear, anger, and resentment on the topic of illegal immigration. 

Check it out and sign the petition to end “the steady diet of fear, anger, and resentment Dobbs, O’Reilly, and Beck promote day after day”!!

Be sure to watch the video created to compliment the report: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KU0jYoBLVhs.
 
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VIDEO: Raids in Postville a National Disgrace

Posted by Rachel L. on May 21, 2008

Check out this brief and scathing criticism of the aftermath in Postville, Iowa from the folks at Brave New Films. The post includes a detailed video from the local news report on the day of the raid.

 

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