Noted anti-immigrant activist Ted Hayes is scheduled to speak at a June 26 meeting of the nativist group Remember 1986 (R86) in Phoenix. Over the last year, R86 has held several anti-immigrant events in Arizona and is listed as a state contact group by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). According to R86’s website, Hayes will discuss how the “‘race-card’ is being used to destroy our unity” and “destroying our nation.” Previously, Hayes has been involved with anti-immigrant front groups including FAIR’s Choose Black America. At a June 2010 rally in Phoenix, Hayes expressed a bizzare pseudo-defense of slavery, claiming:
“White people didn’t start slavery, no, it started in Africa. That’s where it started. And we are just as responsible in this as anyone else. And I will say to you, that you my white brothers and sisters have come closer to us black people than we have come to you. And I apologize for that.”
The upcoming event is the latest in a series of anti-immigrant gatherings organized by R86. Previous events include May’s “S.744 National Press Day” and the “We Are America Tour in September.
According to the group’s Facebook About page, R86 “believes that a truly cohesive approach to immigration reform must never include an amnesty of any kind.” It also says:
“In 1986 our government granted amnesty to illegal aliens. They said there would be no more amnesties. They said our laws would be enforced. They said our borders would be secured. THEY LIED! Don’t get swindled again.”