I feel hurt and betrayed by the recent ICE activity here in Northwest Michigan. My Christian faith has taught me there are no illegal human beings. Each of us is made in God’s image. We are taught to love one another — not tear families apart for wanting to escape violence and hatred in their country of birth.
I have worked along migrant workers in the strawberry fields and have great respect for anyone skilled enough to pick strawberries quickly without bruising them and work all day in the hot sun. Local people aren’t willing to do that kind of difficult work. Growers will be hard pressed to replace a skilled worker. For those who only care about money, think about this. Without skilled workers, crops will rot in the fields and the cost of produce will skyrocket. When a crop needs to be harvested due to a coming storm, who can you depend on? I appreciate their work ethic, their commitment to their family and friends, the Spanish language and culture including music and food. We are blessed by their presence.
I look forward to the conversation and hope to learn actions that would be helpful.