UPDATE: This Saturday, a pivotal event in San Diego will shed light on the urgent issue of deportation, as historian Kelly Lytle Hernandez and filmmaker Alex Rivera explore its historical roots and modern implications. The discussion comes amid heightened immigration enforcement across the United States, marked by violent raids and aggressive deportation tactics.
The event, titled “Where Does Deportation Come From?”, will take place at Bread and Salt in Logan Heights. It aims to connect historical narratives with the current immigration crisis facing many communities today. As August 15, 2025 marks a year of intensified federal actions, the insights shared by these experts are more relevant than ever.
In a recent interview on KPBS Midday Edition, Hernandez emphasized the current climate, stating, “We are in a crisis moment. Many of our community members are being targeted for detention and removal.” This urgency is echoed by Rivera, who pointed out the troubling normalization of deportation in today’s political discourse.
The roots of deportation in the United States can be traced back to the 19th century, particularly with the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. This legislation marked the first major federal law to restrict immigration based on race, setting a precedent for future policies that would disproportionately affect people of color.
Hernandez highlights that the 1882 Act was followed by the Geary Act, which mandated that all Chinese immigrants register for a residency certificate, effectively criminalizing those who could not. “This was our first post-Civil War, race-based deportation law,” she explained.
Rivera’s upcoming film, inspired by these historical events, seeks to illustrate the personal stories behind these policies. He is particularly focused on the story of Fong You Ting, a Chinese immigrant who challenged the deportation system in court. Rivera noted, “The story was extraordinary… they almost won in the Supreme Court.” This historical context underlines the long-standing resistance against deportation and immigration control.
The conversation surrounding immigration and deportation today is fraught with racial undertones. Hernandez remarked on the alarming parallels between current political rhetoric and that of the past, stating, “The system of immigration control has always been deeply racialized.” Rivera added that statistics show a staggering 92% of those deported over the past century have been people of color, reinforcing systemic inequalities.
As the event approaches, both Hernandez and Rivera stress the importance of understanding this history to inspire current activism. “We can keep fighting… whether it’s in the courts, in the streets, or in classrooms,” Hernandez urged. This weekend’s discussion will not only reflect on past struggles but also serve as a call to action for contemporary efforts to resist deportation and advocate for humane immigration policies.
The implications of their talk resonate deeply within today’s political climate, where the narrative around immigration continues to evolve. As Hernandez said, “This moment is dangerous for immigrant families and for our national story.”
Join the conversation this Saturday to gain insights into the past and present of deportation, and explore ways to fight for a more just immigration system. For more information, visit KPBS.
Stay tuned for ongoing coverage as we continue to follow developments in immigration policy and community responses.
