Deportation Nation

David Brotherton, a professor of sociology, testified in the case of Jose Robles, an El Salvadoran seeking asylum in the US to avoid gang violence. Brotherton, an expert on gangs, detailed the pervasive influence and brutality of MS-13 and Barrio 18 in El Salvador, arguing that the gangs operate with impunity and are effectively intertwined with the state. He highlighted the Salvadoran government's inability and unwillingness to protect its citizens from gang violence, creating a climate of fear and forcing many to flee. Brotherton described the gangs’ recruitment tactics, emphasizing that refusal to join often results in severe punishment, including death. He explained how these gangs exert control over entire neighborhoods and extract extortion money from residents and businesses. He also addressed the issue of government complicity, noting that state actors often collaborate with or turn a blind eye to gang activities. The article highlights the political context surrounding asylum cases, noting the increasing hostility towards immigrants and the demonization of asylum seekers. Brotherton's testimony aims to counter the narrative that asylum seekers are simply economic migrants, demonstrating the genuine and well-founded fear of persecution they face in their home countries. He discussed his extensive experience testifying in immigration removal hearings, primarily in Convention Against Torture cases, where his expertise on gang violence directly contradicts the government's efforts to deport individuals back to dangerous situations. find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/05/16/qffo-m16.html