Memphis Roller Derby Accuses ICE of Violence Against Black People
Memphis Roller Derby skated directly into a firestorm of controversy after they posted messages on social media attacking Immigration Customs Enforcement.
“Memphis Roller Derby firmly stands against ICE,” the team announced in a statement posted on its Facebook page.
“ICE and the National Guard’s current occupation of Memphis via the multi-agency task force is violent, inhumane and antithetical to the values that Memphis Roller Derby upholds.”
There have not been any reports of violence connected with the work of the Memphis Safe Task Force. There has been, however, a massive crackdown on violent criminals.
The team also affirmed that its organization is “a safe place for queer, trans, and marginalized individuals.”
Memphis Roller Derby accused the task force of separating 700 immigrant families “all while weaponizing terror upon the black and brown communities in our city.”
“We believe that this continual escalation of violence is not equivalent to safety in Memphis,” the team stated. “Safety comes from investing in people.”
Memphis Roller Derby then announced the radical leftwing groups that they align with in Shelby County including “Free the 901,” “Indivisible Memphis” and “Decarcerate Memphis.”
Memphis Roller Derby professes to stand for black and brown people, but a quick glance at their mostly all-white roster would contradict those claims.
Related: In Memphis, ‘Crime is Cut in Half’: Sen. Brent Taylor
Categorized:Local News