The national conflict between ICE agents and protesters inspired me to paint the following painting.
The actions of ICE are contrary to our First Amendment right of free speech and lawful assembly. The photographs of ICE agents attacking innocent citizens remind me of the roundup of Jews by the Gestapo during the monstrous era of Nazi Germany. The Federal government’s actions provide proof of the warnings expressed in the recent movie Nuremberg. It can happen here, and it is happening.
A friend’s Facebook post quoted Jesus’s mantra: ” Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, this you do unto me….”
We must ask ourselves the following questions:
- Where is the compassion?
- Where is the humanity?
- Where is government transparency and accountability?
- Is this the kind of country we want to become?
- What has happened to our moral compass?
- Are law enforcement officers above the law?
On January 29th, The Dallas Morning News printed an opinion piece by Civil Rights leader Peter Johnson. Mr. Johnson’s comments display the extent of our national tragedy.
A nation reveals its soul in moments like this. If our first response is to protect authority rather than examine its use, then we are not guided by justice. We are guided by fear, And fear is a poor steward of power.[1]
[1] “Killing of Pretti reveals a moral crisis,” The Dallas Morning News, January 29, 2006, retrieved January 31, 2026.
Mr. Johnson referred to the killing of three Civil Rights workers in Mississippi, which was presented in the movie Mississippi Burning. I watched the movie that night after reading Mr. Johnson’s opinion piece, and what struck me was how evil people can be. Blacks, like today’s immigrants, were attacked because of the color of their skin. Then, as today, law enforcement officers were the perpetrators. The sheriff who presided over the murders was acquitted, and the jail sentences of others involved were all under ten years. Ten years for killing three young men. The similarities to the death of Alex Pretti are terrifying. There was a line in the movie that stuck with me. It said those who kept silent were also guilty. Alex Pretti was killed because he “spoke.”
If you love the dream of America, you must hold those who are responsible for breaking the law, defending the murderers, and lying about what actually occurred.
Speak up, speak up, and let your voices echo in the halls of Government offices in Washington and Austin.
Allen Mesch 