Joy Reid Urges Black Americans: Immigration Crackdowns Affect Us Too
As headlines focus on growing protests and aggressive immigration enforcement across cities like Los Angeles, many Black Americans are asking: Is this our fight to fight?
According to MSNBC host Joy Ann Reid, the answer is yes — and the stakes are high.
“When America catches a cold, Black folks catch pneumonia,” Reid said, reminding us that even policies aimed at others often hit Black communities the hardest.
Since the 2024 election, many Black voters have felt let down. Although 92% showed up to vote for the greater good, the lack of mutual support from other groups has left many disillusioned. For some, that disappointment turned into full disengagement — tuning out the news, logging off social media, and retreating from activism.
Ignoring the System Doesn’t Protect You From It
Reid understands the temptation to unplug. “I know there’s a temptation, when the bad things are happening, to just kind of go dark and say, ‘I’m only going to watch Tubi and Real Housewives, and I’m going to forget everything else,’” she said. “You have the right to enjoy your life, but you need to remain informed.”
Her warning is clear: unchecked policies like ICE raids may start by targeting migrants, but they don’t stop there. “We’re already seeing U.S. citizens being detained for days or even weeks while their citizenship is verified,” Reid noted. “That kind of enforcement impacts Black immigrants — and Black Americans too, especially when immigration checks are laced with bias.”
Studies back her up. Only 34% of Black Americans hold a valid passport, and according to the University of Maryland, 11% of people of color lack sufficient proof of citizenship, compared to 8% of white Americans. That gap makes Black communities more vulnerable in an increasingly aggressive system.
This Is a Black Issue — Whether We Claim It or Not
Reid isn’t alone in her concern. Journalist Dr. Stacey Patton warned in a viral Facebook post:
“Let’s not act like standing in the background is some magic cloak of safety for Black bodies… If you’re Black, YOU ARE ALREADY IN THE LINE OF FIRE.”
On X (formerly Twitter), one user put it plainly:
“The distrust that Black people have toward other groups is VALID. But immigration is VERY much also a BLACK ISSUE.”
Even content creator Conscious Lee made the distinction:
“My argument was never that Black people should be on the frontline to fight ICE. My argument was that mass deportation is bad for Black people, too.”
Rest, Then Run: Joy’s Relay Race Approach
Reid believes staying engaged doesn’t mean burning out.
“For Black America, we’ve got to stay informed. But think of it like a relay race,” she said. “Each member gets a chance to run and a chance to rest. That run-and-rest cycle is how the race is won.”
She encourages Black folks to cycle between action and self-care:
“Make one lap rest. Make one lap joy. Make one lap being informed. Make one lap action.”
Her bottom line? The system is counting on us to disconnect — but our survival depends on knowing when to rest and when to reengage.
And right now, it’s time to pass the baton.
