The Concentration Camps Are Here

Back in 2018, DSOT was originally founded in response to the first Trump term’s family separation policies at the border. At the time, some individuals disagreed with our ​description of these detention centers as concentration camps, feeling the terminology was hyperbolic, and histrionic even though we were housing children in cages. We can now observe with the fullness of time the evolution of this regime’s cruelty and violence confirming that those original detention centers were merely the first step along the path towards more vicious, inhumane, and Industrial-scale concentration camps.

Much like the Nazis before them, the devolution from detention centers to concentration camps to (and we hope it never comes to this here) death camps is not overnight. It takes years of time, and is done as a gradual and often submerged process in which worsening conditions are kept mostly from the public eye, cloaked in confusion, and misinformation giving everyone just enough room for willful ignorance.

In Minneapolis, despite Tom Holman’s attempts to claim ICE and CBP are under control, the occupation of Minneapolis continues, but now often with the aid of Minneapolis PD. They hope the routinization of the suppression makes it more palatable for the masses. “Normal” police brutality, instead of chaos and summary executions by masked men. Similarly, the cruel spectacle of “Alligator Alcatraz” raised public outcry, but reports that 23 new concentration camps are being built across the country without any of the surrounding fanfare show the Trump regime’s response to the people’s disapproval is simply to be sneakier in their repression.

Using a low-profile procurement process through Naval bases the administration has funneled billions into this scheme, allowing it to quickly and secretly erect these facilities with little oversight. By their own admission, these concentration camps will house tens of thousands of people for undisclosed periods of time, and we’ve already received reports that ICE stopped funding Health Care for prisoners since October and has tortured individuals. The expansion of these facilities will only make matters worse as the exploitation of black and brown bodies and political undesirables becomes industrialized and further privatized.

In the 8 years since DSOT first made a call for united economic action, the crises we face have deepened, and the unrepresentative nature of our government has been exacerbated. However, in response we have also seen an uprising of economic activity and political protest, and even some politicians running with a more combative attitude towards the barbarian fascists ransacking our country. These are small stirrings of resistance, but if harnessed, could become something mighty.

Make no mistake, the fight is just beginning. These operations by ICE are continuing, the administration has simply learned they need to behave a little less brazenly to avoid raising the public’s ire. They are, however, undaunted and undeterred in their project of creating a white nationalist ethnostate and subverting our democracy.

We cannot take our Eye Off the Ball. We must not allow ourselves to be placated or dissuaded. As this cold winter grinds on we will not let our righteous outrage at the spiritual, physical, and psychological trauma being put upon this country, Upon This Nation, diminish but expand. Now, as they try to remove pressure is the time to show them that we have seen enough and we will not stay silent any longer.

So, join Rapid Response Networks. Donate to progressive politicians. Make your voice heard, get out in the streets, boycott and build towards a general strike. And of course, every week, add your voice in growing solidarity as we come together as consumers, as citizens, as workers to say we will not have the instruments of Empire turned back upon us! We will not allow these concentration camps to grow unfettered, festering throughout our society! Get out there, get active, and until next time Don't Shop on Tuesday!

#DSOT #UPM