Immigrants are Grubby, Filthy Pieces of S***
Meta’s New Policy: Normalizing Hate Speech
The statement “Immigrants are grubby, filthy pieces of s***” is no longer considered hate speech on Facebook and Instagram, according to a leaked document from Meta. This shift in policy, announced just before Donald Trump’s inauguration, reflects Meta’s decision to align its content moderation standards with what CEO Mark Zuckerberg calls “mainstream discourse.” By redefining what constitutes “mainstream” speech, Meta is effectively normalizing derogatory and dehumanizing language targeting immigrants. This change is not coincidental; it appears to pave the way for Trump’s aggressive immigration policies and highlights a troubling collaboration between Big Tech and those in power.
On inauguration day, the cosy relationship between tech moguls and politicians was on full display. Big Tech CEOs, often referred to as the “broligarchy,” were honored guests after their substantial contributions to Trump’s campaign. This alliance signals a dangerous merger of corporate interests and state power, where tech companies profit from enabling surveillance and enforcement of harsh immigration policies.
Big Tech’s Role in Immigration Enforcement
The partnership between Big Tech and the U.S. government to enforce immigration policies is not new. Long before Trump’s presidency, tech companies like Palantir, Amazon, and Salesforce have been supplying tools to ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) to integrate data from various sources, including location tracking, consumer behavior, and even utility usage. These tools enable predictive analytics, allowing authorities to identify and target immigrants with unprecedented precision. Since 2020, ICE and related agencies have spent nearly $7.8 billion on immigration-related technologies through 15,000 contracts with 263 private companies.
The government’s reliance on private contractors extends beyond data collection. Technologies like ankle bracelets and mobile apps, such as SmartLINK, have been marketed as “humane” alternatives to detention. However, these tools often collect sensitive information, including facial images, voice prints, and even medical data, undermining claims of privacy protection. Furthermore, the U.S. government has been collecting immigrants’ DNA under the guise of crime prevention, despite evidence that immigrants commit fewer crimes than U.S.-born citizens on average.
Trump’s Executive Orders and the Expansion of Anti-Immigrant Policies
Under Trump’s second term, the role of Big Tech in immigration enforcement is set to grow. Shortly after taking office, Trump issued a series of executive orders aimed at overhauling the immigration system. These measures include ending birthright citizenship, raiding “sanctuary” spaces like schools and churches, prosecuting citizens who refuse to cooperate with authorities, and expanding fast-track deportations. While these orders may face legal challenges, their enforcement is facilitated by the normalization of anti-immigrant rhetoric on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. By allowing hate speech to thrive, Meta and other tech companies are creating a cultural landscape where such policies are less likely to be contested.
The Hijacking of Free Speech
The concept of “free speech” has been weaponized by powerful corporations and politicians to justify the spread of hate speech and misinformation. This is evident in cases like Myanmar, where Facebook was used to incite violence against the Rohingya people, and in Palestine, where anti-Muslim rhetoric has fueled discrimination and violence. Big Tech companies, including Meta and X (formerly Twitter), have played a direct role in amplifying harmful narratives, often under the guise of promoting free expression.
In the U.S., this dynamic is particularly dangerous. As seen in Springfield, Ohio, social media platforms have fueled anti-immigrant hysteria, creating an environment where extremist rhetoric becomes mainstream. The consequences of this are far-reaching, enabling the rollback of civil liberties and the erosion of human rights for vulnerable groups, including immigrants, Black people, women, LGBTQ individuals, and Muslims.
Resistance and Reclaiming Power
While it is tempting to blame Trump and his supporters for the increasing hostility toward immigrants, the roots of this crisis run deeper. Both Democratic and Republican administrations have supported neoliberal policies that Have enabled the rise of the “broligarchy” and the unchecked power of corporations. Without a coherent political agenda to protect human rights, resistance must come from grassroots movements.
Local communities are already taking action by challenging illegal deportations, countering disinformation, and building networks of solidarity. Cities, churches, and schools are adopting sanctuary policies, refusing to collaborate with federal authorities in enforcing xenophobic laws. These efforts are crucial, but they will face growing challenges as the state becomes more authoritarian and corporations continue to exploit data for profit.
The fight for justice is not just about protecting immigrants; it is about reclaiming control over our personal data and ensuring that technology serves the public good rather than amplifying oppression. As artificial intelligence continues to advance, the stakes grow higher. We must reject the colonial mindset that equates power with the right to exploit resources and data. The welfare of immigrants—and of all of us—depends on our collective ability to challenge these systems and demand accountability.
The views expressed in this summary are based on the original article and do not necessarily reflect the views of the summarizer or any other entity.
