It started with Tom Holman, President Donald Trump’s “border czar,” who suggested that U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez should face possible investigation because she had the gall to host a “Know Your Rights” session for immigrants in regard to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Among other things, she informed attendees of their constitutional rights, like the right to remain silent and the prohibition against unreasonable searches and seizures, and, particularly, that they do not have to open their door for ICE unless agents actually have a warrant from a judge.

There have been these “Know Your Rights” trainings across the nation for decades, often hosted by nonprofits and churches. The idea that we would prosecute a sitting congresswoman for this shows how far we have fallen down a path of a deep xenophobia and authoritarianism, which throughout history seem to always go together.

There is a deep irony that this is being pushed by those who love to talk about free speech. What they usually mean by this is being able to say horrible things online and not face any social pushback. However, when it comes to actual constitutional issues of free speech, they are willing to criminalize free speech they do not like or that goes against the president’s agenda.

Though the calls to investigate AOC or that insinuate what she did is illegal started with Holman, it has now expanded to members of Congress, including Florida Sen. Rick Scott and my own congresswoman in South Carolina, Nancy Mace. This is part of a larger strategy to use deeply authoritarian power not only against immigrants but also against those who are supporting them.

This strategy was previewed in Texas when Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton went after Catholic Charities and organizations that had shelters for immigrants near the border . He dishonestly investigated them for human trafficking. Though most of the judges immediately threw out these cases, it had a chilling effect.

I am almost without a doubt that this investigation of AOC will be pushed forward by new U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. It will send a loud message to politicians that, if you push back too much against the regime and their policies, you will be prosecuted. It will also send a message to those working with immigrant activists and advocates that they should not even try to protect immigrants or stand for their rights.

We should remember our history as these actions harken back to other authoritarian movements across the globe that persecuted not only the targeted group but also those who supported them.

Will McCorkle is an education professor and immigration advocate based in Charleston, South Carolina.

Have something to say about this topic?

* Send a letter to the editor, which will be considered for print publication.