On January 24, ICE brutally killed yet another human being, this time a healthcare worker and union member: Minnesota’s Alex Pretti.
Like millions of people worldwide, we are devastated and enraged by ICE’s violence. Agents have separated thousands of families and killed dozens of our neighbors—whether point-blank in the middle of the street, or hidden behind the walls of concentration camps. As workers, we also understand the impact of ICE’s terror on patient care inside our hospitals and student learning in our classrooms. Our own CWA colleagues have been kidnapped by ICE agents.
Meanwhile, genocide rages on in Palestine, and the U.S. propels its war machine from Venezuela, to Iran, to Greenland, and far beyond. The incredible organizing taking place in the Twin Cities reminds us, even in its power, that George Floyd is still dead. We are clear, too, that Indigenous communities are still fighting colonialism across the country, that most of us are a missed paycheck away from sleeping on the streets, and that millions of Black and brown people are locked up by the state for simply existing.
These are devastating times, but we cannot let that stop us. We are fighting one fight, against one enemy, and we have access to one of the most powerful tools to change the course of history: our ability to withhold our labor and bring the ruling class to its knees.
Our fights are connected, not simply because the Israeli military and American police exchange tactics or because ICE uses surveillance perfected by Israel—though these are clear and important connections.
They are connected because worker exploitation, colonialism, war, genocide, and the policing of borders and communities are all perpetuated by the few to oppress the many. The same is true for systematic attacks on queer and trans people, women, and people with disabilities. The ultra-rich and powerful prosper when we are divided.
Under capitalism, the billionaire class must continually increase profits. To make that endless accumulation possible, empire steals land and resources while waging war against workers, keeping us down and dividing us—so that Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos can retain their power.
The historic day of action in Minnesota last Friday showed that workers, students, and ordinary people—including our siblings at CWA local 7250—are refusing to let the ruling class win that war. In increasing numbers, CWA members across the country are mounting demonstrations and organizing their locals against ICE.
Make no mistake: We believe that we will win, and we call on all unions and labor bodies to demand the abolition of ICE, to fully divest from the U.S.-Israeli war machine, and to meaningfully invest resources into building toward a sustained, urgent general strike.
We’ve got union power and we cannot let each other forget it.