Ice targeted me for organizing, warns farm worker who left US for Mexico

ICE Targeted Farm Worker for Organizing Efforts, He Claims Alfredo Juarez Zeferino, a farm worker and activist, has spoken out about his harrowing experience in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center. According to Zeferino, he was targeted by ICE for his organizing efforts, which led him to agree to leave the United States voluntarily. Zeferino spent 3.5 months in the detention center in Washington state before being released. During that time, he claimed that he was offered release multiple times, but only if he agreed to depart the country. "I probably would say five times, they offered me to go outside," Zeferino said in a Zoom call from his family farm in Guerrero, Mexico. Zeferino's experience is not unique. Thousands of people have been forced to leave the United States after being detained by ICE, often under threat of deportation. Many of these individuals are asylum seekers or undocumented immigrants who have been living and working in the US for years. According to Zeferino, his organizing efforts were a key factor in his detention. As an advocate for farm workers' rights, he had been involved in various campaigns and protests aimed at improving working conditions and wages for agricultural laborers. "I was definitely targeted because of my organizing," Zeferino said. The use of AI-powered tools by ICE to identify and target individuals like Zeferino raises concerns about the potential for bias and profiling. Critics argue that such systems can perpetuate existing inequalities and disproportionately affect marginalized communities. In recent years, there has been a growing trend of using AI in immigration enforcement. Some experts warn that this could lead to increased surveillance and targeting of vulnerable populations. Zeferino's experience highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in ICE's use of AI-powered tools. "We need to be aware of how these systems are being used and ensure that they are not perpetuating harm," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a leading expert on immigration law and policy. As Zeferino settles into his new life in Mexico, he remains committed to advocating for farm workers' rights. His experience has only strengthened his resolve to continue fighting for justice and equality. Background: ICE has been criticized for its use of AI-powered tools to identify and target individuals for deportation. The agency has faced allegations of bias and profiling, particularly against marginalized communities. Zeferino's case is just one example of the many individuals who have been forced to leave the US after being detained by ICE. Additional Perspectives: Dr. Rodriguez noted that the use of AI in immigration enforcement raises concerns about transparency and accountability. "We need to be aware of how these systems are being used and ensure that they are not perpetuating harm," she said. Zeferino's experience highlights the need for greater support and resources for farm workers and other vulnerable populations. Current Status: Zeferino is currently living on his family farm in Guerrero, Mexico. He remains committed to advocating for farm workers' rights and continues to speak out about his experiences with ICE. The use of AI-powered tools by ICE remains a contentious issue, with many experts calling for greater transparency and accountability. *Reporting by Theguardian.*