The Left and Human Shields
What do Hamas and illegal immigration activists have in common? Both rely on human shields to achieve their objectives.
Hamas: Hiding Behind Innocents
On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a brutal attack on Israeli civilians—not soldiers or the Israeli Defense Forces, but innocent men, women, and children in neighboring towns. These acts of terror included rape, kidnapping, and murder.
When Israel responded to rescue hostages and defend itself, Hamas employed its long-standing tactic of using human shields. The terrorist organization hid behind schools, hospitals, and densely populated civilian areas to shield themselves from retaliation, deliberately creating conditions for civilian casualties. These immoral tactics served their propaganda machine, shifting blame to Israel for the very destruction Hamas orchestrated.
Hamas’s strategy hinges on a twisted moral inversion. The world condemns Israel for defending itself while ignoring the atrocities and cynical use of human shields by Hamas. Despite the lengths Israel takes to minimize civilian harm—often at great risk to its soldiers—the narrative is flipped, painting Israel as the aggressor. The tragic casualties of Gaza could be avoided entirely if Hamas surrendered or fought openly, rather than hiding behind women and children.
Echoes of Hamas in Immigration Activism
The same troubling tactics resonate within segments of the American left, particularly among activists obstructing immigration law enforcement. These activists don’t just threaten to withhold cooperation with federal authorities; they actively encourage obstruction. And like Hamas, they are willing to place innocent people in harm’s way to further their political objectives.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, for example, has threatened “civil resistance” to federal immigration enforcement, comparing potential actions in Denver to a “Tiananmen Square” uprising. Such rhetoric suggests he’s prepared to encourage civilians to physically obstruct immigration officials, placing them in direct confrontation with law enforcement.
Groups like Truthout have taken this a step further by urging U.S. military personnel to disobey orders to assist with immigration enforcement. This undermines military discipline and encourages insubordination. Even more disturbingly, responses to such calls often advocate for civilians in sanctuary cities to act as human shields to block law enforcement efforts.
The Callousness of Using Shields
This tactic—placing civilians in harm’s way—is not just reckless; it’s deeply cynical. Activists seem unfazed by the potential harm to those they encourage to obstruct law enforcement. Instead, they view any injuries or fatalities as opportunities to generate sympathy and shift public narratives, much like Hamas uses casualties to generate international outrage against Israel.
This willingness to sacrifice others for a political agenda echoes the infamous communist adage, “You’ve got to break some eggs to make an omelet.” For these activists, the “eggs” are often unwitting individuals manipulated into becoming human shields. Their disregard for the safety and rights of their fellow Americans is a hallmark of their approach.
Weaponizing “Rights” and “Values”
Activists frame these actions as defending “community values” or “civil rights,” often co-opting language historically used by segregationists to defend discriminatory practices. They attempt to rewrite the narrative, casting obstruction as noble resistance. They claim to defend “rights” and “values” while placing Americans at risk for their cause.
However, federal law is clear: states and localities cannot obstruct immigration enforcement. While jurisdictions may choose not to cooperate with federal authorities, actively interfering crosses a legal line. Officials who order or enable such actions could face legal consequences, including federal intervention.
The Danger of Activist-Led Obstruction
The greater concern isn’t necessarily local officials directly blocking immigration enforcement. It’s the “wink-and-nod” encouragement from blue-state leaders, tacitly approving civilian interference while avoiding direct accountability. By inciting protests and human shields, they aim to deter enforcement, create victims, and generate propaganda to further their cause.
Rejecting the Shield Narrative
Whether it’s Hamas hiding behind civilians in Gaza or activists using Americans to obstruct immigration enforcement, the strategy is the same: manipulate public perception by manufacturing victims. This tactic distorts the truth, shifting focus away from the underlying issues.
As a society, we must reject these manipulative narratives. Law enforcement must operate without being impeded by those willing to sacrifice others for political gain. Truth and accountability must prevail over the cynical use of human shields.