Activists Boycott Univision and Telemundo Over ICE Advertisements
Telemundo and Univision, two of the largest Spanish-language television networks in the United States, face backlash over airing advertisements from the Trump administration. These ads, delivered by Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, urge undocumented immigrants to leave the country. In response, the group Mijente has launched a boycott campaign called “Apaga El Odio,” demanding that both networks cease broadcasting these messages.
Background of the Boycott Campaign
The Mijente campaign criticizes the advertisements as fear-inducing for Latino viewers, who usually regard the networks as reliable sources. Mitzi Castro, a Mijente member, states that viewers trust these channels like family. She questions the ethics of airing ads that threaten the communities they claim to support.
- Campaign Name: Apaga El Odio
- Organization: Mijente
- Number of Signatures: Almost 5,000 as of December 2
Content of the Advertisements
The ads aired on various platforms, warning undocumented immigrants that they will be pursued and encouraging them to “leave now.” This messaging raises significant concerns among the Latino audience, many of whom are deeply affected by the government’s aggressive immigration policies.
Tricia McLaughlin of the DHS defended the advertisements, asserting they do not promote an anti-immigrant agenda. The government suggests providing undocumented individuals with options for voluntary departure through the mobile application, CBP Home.
Community Perspectives
Many in the Latino community, including Dagoberto Aguilar, a naturalized citizen, condemn the networks for airing these ads. Aguilar calls the decision hypocritical, citing his long-standing trust in both Telemundo and Univision for news and entertainment. He feels these channels prioritize profit over the emotional well-being of the immigrant community.
Political Reactions
State Senator Analise Ortiz, representing areas with high Latino populations, has vocally supported the boycott via social media. Ortiz remarked that airing such ads is a complete disregard for the community they serve. She emphasizes the need for the networks to do the right thing by refraining from airing harmful propaganda.
Legal Aspects of the Advertisements
Legally, broadcasters like Telemundo and Univision must provide access to political candidates but have the discretion to reject government advertisements. Robert Corn-Revere, a legal expert, confirms that they could decline such content without facing legal repercussions.
Impact on Mental Health
Experts are concerned about the psychological effects of these advertisements on communities already under stress due to immigration policies. Licensed clinical social worker Lluliana Flores states that such messages create anxiety and fear, impacting mental well-being. Families may suffer heightened stress, affecting children’s ability to focus on education.
Flores urges networks to consider their ethical responsibility and the profound impact their content can have on vulnerable communities. She describes the contradiction of trusted broadcasters airing messages that incite fear in audience members who turn to them for comfort and cultural connection.
As the boycott continues to gain momentum, many hope that Telemundo and Univision will reconsider their programming choices in favor of the communities they serve. This situation highlights the delicate relationship between media, politics, and the immigrant experience in America.
