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Hank Johnson, a member of the House Judiciary Committee representing Georgia, recently stirred controversy by evoking the Holocaust while criticizing current deportation policies. His remarks during a committee markup meeting on Wednesday drew significant attention and backlash.
During the discussion, Johnson referenced a well-known quote attributed to German pastor Martin Niemöller. This quote serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of silence during the rise of oppressive regimes. Johnson’s comments began with a description of Latino workers seeking opportunities at Home Depot.
“You know, first they came for the Latinos outside of the Home Depots, trying to get work so that they could feed their families,” Johnson stated. His phrase set a tone that would guide the subsequent remarks.
He continued, stating, “And I didn’t say anything about it because I’m not a Latino at the Home Depot.” This line exemplifies a thought-provoking commentary on inaction in the face of injustice.
Johnson further elaborated, addressing the deportation of those who fit certain profiles, including individuals he described as Hispanic-looking individuals with tattoos. He reflected, “Then they came for the Hispanic-looking folks with hats backward and tattoos. And I didn’t say anything about that because I don’t wear my hat backward, and I don’t have any tattoos, and I don’t look like a Latino.”
His comments extended beyond the immediate discussion of Latino individuals, branching into a broader critique of the treatment of marginalized groups. He recounted instances of Latinas being taken from their homes, stating that they were deported alongside children, including American citizens.
Johnson criticized the government’s recent approach to students protesting against actions taken by the Trump administration. He remarked, “They sent jackbooted thugs wearing masks to pick them up, take them thousands of miles away and put them in a private for-profit detention center where they languish at taxpayer expense. And I didn’t say anything about it because I’m not a student on a foreign visa.”
In an unexpected turn, Johnson also addressed the arrest of Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan for allegedly assisting an undocumented immigrant in evading federal authorities. He mentioned, “I did not speak up because I was not a White female judge.”
He concluded his sequence of comments with a powerful statement that echoed Niemöller’s lesson. He stressed, “But then they came for me. And I looked around, and there was nobody left because I had remained silent.”
His conclusion about the relevance of Niemöller’s warning highlighted a contemporary concern. Johnson urged listeners to consider the implications of governmental actions on constitutional rights. He emphasized, “It’s important that the people understand what is happening with our constitutional rights in this country. Everyone is entitled to due process, whether or not you are documented or undocumented, whether you are a citizen or not. You’re entitled to due process.”
The markup included a proposed amendment aimed at safeguarding individuals against unlawful deportation. This measure sought to prevent the use of government funds for the removal of individuals who might be in violation of their rights under the Fifth Amendment. Unfortunately, this amendment was not passed during the meeting.
Following Johnson’s remarks, the official Republican account of the House Judiciary Committee publicly ridiculed his statements, claiming, “Wow, Hank Johnson just implied that all Latinos hang out at Home Depot.” Such responses indicate the rising tensions surrounding this subject.
Johnson’s reputation for provocative statements dates back over a decade. In 2010, he infamously cautioned that the military buildup on Guam could make the island “tip over and capsize” due to overpopulation.
In recent days, the Democratic approach to cases like that of Kilmar Abrego Garcia has shifted. Concern over due process has grown following the release of video evidence from a Tennessee police encounter, which allegedly implicated Garcia in migrant trafficking.
Moving forward, this episode serves as a stark reminder of the urgency surrounding discussions about immigration policy, constitutional rights, and the moral responsibilities of leaders. As conversations continue to evolve, the reflections from key figures like Hank Johnson will undoubtedly shape the narrative.
It is essential to maintain awareness and advocacy for the rights of all individuals in this ever-changing legal landscape. The ongoing discussions about immigration enforcement and human rights protections demand our attention, urging us to speak out against injustices.
