To All Who Stand for Immigrant Justice,

The incisive critique of Cecilia Muñoz and Frank Sharry’s claims in The Atlantic highlights a vital truth: the struggle for immigrant justice cannot and must not be subordinated to the failed strategies of moderation and compromise. The persistent attempts to blame grassroots organizers for systemic failures—failures rooted in decades of bipartisan cruelty—undermine the sacrifices and successes of communities that have resisted oppressive policies at every turn.  The Democratic Party’s loss in 2024 is not the fault of activists demanding an end to deportations or those fighting for policies that affirm the dignity of all immigrants. Instead, the defeat stems from the party’s abandonment of its base in favor of courting a mythical "moderate" electorate. As Muñoz and Sharry push for a return to “Comprehensive Immigration Reform” (CIR), they ignore its historical failures—failures that not only failed to deliver meaningful change but also actively harmed immigrant communities.  For decades, CIR has been framed as a pragmatic solution, but its foundation is inherently flawed. Offering limited pathways to citizenship in exchange for harsh enforcement measures betrays the very communities it purports to help. These concessions only strengthen the deportation and detention apparatus, which has devastated millions of lives. The insistence on moderation has not swayed Republicans or advanced immigrant justice. Instead, it has shifted the national discourse further to the right, emboldening nativist policies and rhetoric.  Cecilia Muñoz’s tenure in the Obama administration exemplifies this pattern. Under her leadership, the administration deported nearly three million people, cementing the infrastructure for Trump’s draconian immigration policies. Her defense of these actions—claiming that “even broken laws have to be enforced”—reveals a troubling willingness to sacrifice immigrant lives for political expediency. Frank Sharry, similarly, has championed compromise while failing to address the systemic harm perpetuated by these strategies.  Grassroots organizers, by contrast, have achieved transformative victories without the resources or political connections of the consultant class. Undocumented youth have secured protections like DACA through bold, unapologetic advocacy. Local campaigns have won driver’s licenses, in-state tuition, and sanctuary policies in the face of bipartisan resistance. These achievements were not the result of moderation but of unwavering commitment to justice.  Our movement’s strength lies in its refusal to compromise on human dignity. Unlike the consultant class, we recognize that justice cannot be achieved by distinguishing between "good" and "bad" immigrants or by negotiating away the rights of the most vulnerable. We stand for all immigrants: asylum seekers, long-term residents, individuals with criminal records, and those who live in the shadows of a punitive system.  It is time to reject the failed strategies of the past and embrace a bold, affirmative vision for immigrant justice. This vision demands the abolition of detention centers, the dismantling of mass surveillance, and the end of deportation policies that tear families apart. It centers the voices of those most impacted and holds politicians accountable to the communities they serve.  Our fight is not for moderation—it is for liberation. Together, we will build a future where all immigrants can live with dignity, safety, and hope. 

In solidarity,

Kay Keaux

(This letter was written in response to an open letter published here)