Turlock reverend: We can protect our borders without cruelty | Opinion

Humane immigration policies

“Tom Homan Refutes Claims That ICE Is Racial Profiling,” (modbee.com, Feb. 15)

White House Border Czar Tom Homan claims that “a secure border is the most humane thing this country can do,” arguing that strict enforcement “saves lives” by deterring migrants from making a dangerous journey. But this argument collapses when we look at why people flee.

Families do not migrate thousands of miles because the border is open; they do so because staying home means extortion, sexual violence, political persecution or death. Deterrence does not eliminate that danger — it only traps people in it. Calling this “humane” ignores the reality of those escaping for their lives.

Homan describes deportations as “protective,” yet investigations have documented people being returned to the very gangs, abusers or persecutors they fled. Pope Leo XIV said, “I’m not afraid of speaking loudly about the message of the Gospel.” That message includes defending the vulnerable, not sending them back to danger.

A policy cannot be called humane if it protects laws but not the people whose lives are at risk.

There are better solutions: expanding lawful pathways, increasing regional refugee processing, investing in anti‑corruption efforts abroad and strengthening anti‑trafficking operations.

We can protect our borders without abandoning the people whose lives hang in the balance.

Fr Misael Avila

Turlock

Inspired by politics

“Your guide to California’s 13th Congressional District primary race,” (modbee.com, May 5)

I never expected to play an active role in politics. That changed when I got involved with the Vin Kruttiventi campaign for Congress. What stood out to me wasn’t just the message, but the atmosphere the campaign created: one that welcomed young people like myself and made us feel like we had a real seat at the table.

Because of this experience, I was inspired to take action in my own community. I helped start the Merced County Young Republicans, with the goal of giving other young people the same opportunity I was given to learn, engage and be part of something bigger.

Cristian Martinez

Martinez

Gray’s disappointing vote

“Your guide to California’s 13th Congressional District primary race,” (modbee.com, May 5)

It’s such a shame to see Rep. Adam Gray betray the will of Californians who already voted on stronger farm animal protection laws by voting in favor of this sham of a federal farm bill. Despite the Supreme Court siding with California to protect Proposition 12, the big pork industry has been insistent on finding an unnecessary federal legislative “solution” to undermining the nation’s leading law protecting farmed animals.

The just-passed House Farm Bill now has the inclusion of the so-called “Save Our Bacon Act” in it. Not only would this bill attack sales laws related to animal welfare, it would also stop states from setting standards for disease control, toxic materials, food safety and more. Despite opposition from farmers nationwide who have already made investments in complying with increasingly popular welfare standards, including large pork producers, the House moved forward with their plan to put corporate interests over public opinion.

California has been a leader in setting the stage for stronger animal welfare laws. It’s up to state senators to ensure a clean farm bill free from a Prop 12 “fix.”

Sara Amundson

President, Humane World Action Fund