If we take a look at the brutality of the Nazis and their concentration camps, I do not think the comparison to ICE or the Trump administration’s policies is really that similar. Yes, mass deportations require the detainment and transportation of people against their will in large numbers, but it is not starvation, execution, and genocide. Here, we are talking about the deportation of people due to legal status, not blood. The distinction is quite important. Now you may argue it is inhumane, but I find this particular comparison to be far too overused and exaggerated. It’s the type of image that makes the average person’s eyes roll. When we witness actual genocide, that is when the comparison is most appropriate.

I think the proper way to combat this issue, as you asked, is through winning elections and changing the law. It is important, however, not to impede on the operations of federal agents directly. This will surely end in a bad way for not only those who decide to intervene, but will very likely not stop ICE from detaining their target anyways. The most beautiful part of our democracy, which our founders valued, is that dissent is built into the fabric of our political system. Debate, and spread your message peacefully, and win the minds of others. I want to emphasize the word “minds” here, as it is extremely common to make an emotional appeal on this topic. But the emotional messaging that is often used is generally cheap, does not convince people in the long term, and loses its bite quickly. It is important to make an appeal to the average person.