To Serve & Protect | Coming to America (VICE on HBO: Season 3, Episode 2)

Summary

This video from Vice explores two major issues: the increasing militarization of American police forces and the immigration crisis at the southern U.S. border. It highlights how police departments are using military-grade equipment, leading to aggressive tactics, particularly in events like the Ferguson protests. The video also delves into the perilous journeys of Central American migrants, many of whom flee violence and ride dangerous trains, only to face tough immigration enforcement. Both segments emphasize the complex social and political implications of these issues in the U.S.

Takeaways

• 🚓 The militarization of police forces in America has escalated, with local police using military-grade equipment, sparking controversy.
• 💥 The 2014 police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, triggered protests and a national debate on police militarization and race relations.
• 🛡️ The 1033 Program initiated by the U.S. government provides surplus military equipment to local police departments, leading to the use of tanks, helicopters, and assault rifles by law enforcement.
• ⚔️ The 'War on Drugs' metaphor became literal under the Reagan administration, contributing to police militarization as a strategy to combat drug crimes.
• 🎯 SWAT teams and police are trained more in using military equipment rather than de-escalation and conflict resolution, leading to more aggressive policing tactics.
• 😡 Public backlash against the aggressive policing has increased, with concerns that police are acting more like an occupying force than public servants.
• 🇸🇻 The script also highlights the Central American immigration crisis, where families and unaccompanied children take dangerous journeys to flee gang violence, particularly in El Salvador.
• 🚂 Migrants travel on top of dangerous trains like 'The Beast,' facing threats from cartels, dangerous terrain, and often being detained or deported by Mexican authorities.
• 🛑 Many migrants are fleeing extreme gang violence, with El Salvador's gang problem tracing back to deported criminals from the U.S. in the 1980s.
• 🏛️ Despite government efforts in both Mexico and the U.S. to curb migration, people continue to flee violence, showing that immigration is driven by deeper social issues.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the Vice episode?

The central theme of the Vice episode focuses on two major issues: the militarization of the police in America and the immigration crisis at the southern border, particularly the dangers faced by migrants from Central America.

How did the fatal police shooting of Michael Brown impact the national conversation on policing?

The shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014 sparked nationwide protests, raising concerns about police brutality and the militarization of law enforcement, and led to polarizing reactions across the country.

What role did federal programs play in militarizing local police forces?

Federal programs like the 1033 program, started under President Bush in 1990, allowed local police departments to obtain military-grade equipment such as armored vehicles, tanks, and assault rifles. These programs were initially tied to the War on Drugs but expanded to cover broader policing needs.

What is the significance of the 1033 program in relation to police militarization?

The 1033 program is significant because it transferred military surplus gear to local police departments, including tanks, helicopters, and grenade launchers, for use in everyday policing. This contributed heavily to the militarization of American law enforcement.

What criticisms are presented regarding the militarization of the police?

Critics argue that police departments have become too militarized, using battlefield equipment in situations where it's unnecessary. This has led to excessive force, particularly against civilians and protesters, and a mentality that police are in constant warfare, which worsens community relations.

How has the War on Drugs contributed to police militarization?

The War on Drugs, particularly during the Reagan Administration, emphasized aggressive tactics against drug-related crime, which resulted in the transfer of military equipment to police and a war-like mentality in law enforcement.

What is the purpose of police tactical gear conventions, as mentioned in the script?

Police tactical gear conventions serve as venues where law enforcement agencies can purchase military-style equipment, such as armored vehicles and assault rifles. These conventions are supported by grants from the Department of Homeland Security.

What are some of the dangers faced by migrants riding the trains, known as 'The Beast,' to the U.S. border?

Migrants riding 'The Beast' face numerous dangers, including falling off the trains, being exposed to harsh weather, and violent threats from cartels who kidnap, rob, and kill migrants. Additionally, women face a high risk of sexual violence.

Why are so many migrants, including children, fleeing countries like El Salvador?

Many migrants are fleeing violence, poverty, and gang activity in countries like El Salvador. The country has one of the highest murder rates in the world, with gangs extorting, threatening, and killing civilians, prompting families to make the dangerous journey to the U.S.

What challenges do migrants face once they reach the U.S. border?

Once at the U.S. border, migrants often face detention by immigration authorities. Despite apprehensions, many migrants, like Sandra and her family, hope for a safer life in the U.S., but their future is uncertain and depends on immigration court decisions.