How ICE Is Mimicking 19th Century Slave Patrols

Immigration enforcement agents are using methods that look very familiar

Jan 27, 2026

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On June 2, 1854, the city of Boston was under military occupation. Federal troops with a loaded cannon stood ready as 1500 militiamen formed a human corridor from the courthouse to the harbor to march a single prisoner through the streets. His name was Anthony Burns, and he was a 20-year-old clothing store worker. His crime was escaping slavery.

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A guest post by

Kahlil Greene

I uncover the history behind the headlines and focus on the plights of marginalized people: Black, Native, Latino, Asian, LGBTQ+, Working-Class, and Religious Minorities