I watched the WCSH story regarding Taj Indian Restaurant in South Portland offering free meals to those in need in their community. Mr. Gunktaka explained how his family decided to make this a daily thing because there are those in the community who need a hand and it’s all about community.

Watching, I thought that this family had to have some level of fear simply walking the streets of South Portland not knowing if ICE would be ready to grab them and throw them in one of the ICE vehicles in the streets of our cities. Picking up criminals is one thing. Picking up people who look different is an entirely different thing.

This administration claims ICE is law enforcement. People don’t take issue with going after criminals but law enforcement has never had to mask up. We would be shocked if we saw a police officer pull a car over for whatever reason, smash the window, drag him out, throw him in their vehicle, then leave with the detainee’s car running with lights on.

My father was a retired NYC police officer. I grew up surrounded by policemen. These guys loved their kids, volunteered regularly and were solid members of the community. They were proud of who they were and didn’t wear masks to hide their identity, ensuring no one would recognize them off duty.

Yeah, going after criminals is a great idea and appreciated, but remember — criminals come in all skin colors.

John Hackett
Kennebunk