“We are dealing with the consequences of a demographic paranoia now.” 

Journalist, historian, and author Jelani Cobb often looks to the past to better understand the present, and he says the right’s pushback against immigration and multiculturalism is rooted in this country’s history. He speaks with Maria Hinojosa about the parallels between recent ICE raids and the Fugitive Slave Act, the importance of solidarity between Black and brown communities, and how we should be thinking about the U.S. as we approach the midterms and the country’s 250th anniversary.

Photo courtesy of Jelani Cobb.

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Episode Credits:

Host: Maria Hinojosa

Producer: Reynaldo Leaños Jr. 

Editor: Rebeca Ibarra 

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Managing Editor: Fernanda Echavarri

Executive Producers: Peniley Ramirez and Maria Hinojosa