1) I want to talk to you about speaking the truth. In the past, I did not speak the truth of what I experienced and what I knew about the Border Patrol, CBP & ICE. I didn’t think anyone would believe me, didn’t understand the systemic nature of their abuse and crimes,

2) thought that by calling attention to it, it would bring more people to their racist, authoritarian ideals. But what I have learned since being an agent is that you must stand firm against these people. Racists, authoritarians are all bullies, and they only understand

3) when you let them know you are not afraid of them. One thing I know for a fact as a former agent, as someone who lived with these people, they count on you being too civil, being too afraid of seeming like an alarmist, of not wanting to call attention to their propaganda.

4) They know they are not likely to turn more people to their cause. They are merely trying to embolden and get their followers to be more vocal, more in the open, more fanatical. By pointing out their racism, their crimes, you are not calling more people to their cause.

5) You are standing in front of them, telling them to say to the world who they really are, what they are really all about. That it’s not about national security or terrorism. It’s about racism. It’s about not seeing some groups of people as human beings. It’s about stealing

6) taxpayer money to criminalize groups of people. About power and oppression. So, no I do not recommend keeping quiet in these moments. Keeping the peace only enables these people. And I know how hard this is for some. To that I say, look around you for those like me.

7) Those who can carry the weight and are willing to stand up. Stay next to them, behind them and support them.