There has been an explosion of immigrant protests across the world in past decade. These protests have featured political mobilizations by pro-migrant activists and irregular migrants who challenge the multiple forms of injustice and discrimination experienced by displaced persons. In April 2010, the state of Arizona enacted the Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act which required immigrants to be in possession of their documents all times thus making Latinos vulnerable to identity checks and surveillance (Nohemy & Butter, 2011). Shortly after the controversial legislation, an online trailer for Machete (2010) was released. The film can be perceived to have been a direct response to the Arizona legislature. The film features
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This can be done by independent agencies of those run by migrants themselves to effectively make a change. Activism through art can also disrupt the norms or representation seen in Machete (2010) , denaturalize xenophobic ideologies and clear the ground for political agencies for the migrant population. Director Rodriguez picks the historical roots of anti-immigration sentiments from the twentieth century to the twenty-first century. At the climax of the film, Agent Rivera reaches a point where she is confused on whether to enforce the law or honor the Network’s revolt. She, however, makes up her mind and raises her fist and addresses the immigrants: “Yes, I am a woman of the law. And there are lots of laws. But if they do not offer us justice, then they are not laws… We didn’t cross the border, the border crossed us!” (Machete, 2010). The statement reveals that some of the people of Mexican descent did not cross the border as the politician says. The film effectively dramatizes immigrant violence and presents us with images of racial anger, empowerment, and
This can be done by independent agencies of those run by migrants themselves to effectively make a change. Activism through art can also disrupt the norms or representation seen in Machete (2010) , denaturalize xenophobic ideologies and clear the ground for political agencies for the migrant population. Director Rodriguez picks the historical roots of anti-immigration sentiments from the twentieth century to the twenty-first century. At the climax of the film, Agent Rivera reaches a point where she is confused on whether to enforce the law or honor the Network’s revolt. She, however, makes up her mind and raises her fist and addresses the immigrants: “Yes, I am a woman of the law. And there are lots of laws. But if they do not offer us justice, then they are not laws… We didn’t cross the border, the border crossed us!” (Machete, 2010). The statement reveals that some of the people of Mexican descent did not cross the border as the politician says. The film effectively dramatizes immigrant violence and presents us with images of racial anger, empowerment, and