In a June 19 blog post, Californians for Population Stabilization (CAPS) Senior Writing Fellow Joe Guzzardi warned readers that government officials addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis at the southern border will adversely affect them – no matter where they live. The blog post, titled “Coming Soon to a Neighborhood Near You: Unaccompanied Aliens!” concludes:
“To readers who have empty buildings or abandoned apartments in your communities, beware. Look out for suspicious-looking feds canvassing your neighborhood. Even if you live thousands of miles from the border, [Health and Human Services] will find you, and whether you like it or not, relocate the migrants among you.”
Guzzardi pointed out that one Virginia town has “managed to stave off, at least temporarily, the unwanted invasion,” citing health concerns and the “potential for crime.”
Guzzardi’s cautioning of ominous government agencies preys on the conspiracy-fueled fears that gain traction among the far-right and create fictional scenarios like so-called “FEMA camps.” However, it also speaks to a more troublesome lack of empathy regarding the tragic cases of children found at the southern border fleeing violence.