Futures

Confronting the Reality of Immigrant Violence and the Ethical Duty of Futurists in Minneapolis, (from page 20260208.)

External link

Keywords

Themes

Other

Summary

The text reflects on the recent killing of Renee Nicole Good by a federal agent in Minneapolis, highlighting it as part of a broader pattern of violence against immigrant communities. The author argues that the death is not an isolated incident but symptomatic of systemic terror and state-sanctioned violence faced by immigrants. Despite strong evidence from these communities about ongoing oppression, their warnings have often been ignored. This calls for a reevaluation of futures work, demanding ethical accountability and community involvement in futures planning, rather than a focus solely on strategic foresight for institutional powers. Ultimately, it stresses the moral obligation of futurists to confront real-time violence and harm in their practices, advocating for solidarity and support for impacted communities, like COPAL.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Erosion of Immigrants’ Rights Immigrant communities report a gradual decline in rights and due process. From a society with protected immigrant rights to a regime where those rights are heavily undermined. In 10 years, legal protections for immigrants may be significantly reduced, normalizing systemic rights violations. Political narratives and policies that prioritize enforcement over human rights are gaining traction. 5
Normalization of State Violence State violence against immigrant communities is increasingly seen as a norm rather than an exception. From isolated incidents of violence to a systematic approach toward community control and policing. In 10 years, encounters with law enforcement may become standard and unchallenged in immigrant communities. A climate of fear fostered by policy and repeated incidents solidifies acceptance of state control. 5
Operational Efficiency of ICE ICE and federal agents are acting with increased coordination and strategic planning. From reactive enforcement tactics to a more coordinated and anticipatory approach to immigration control. In 10 years, ICE may have developed comprehensive strategies that effectively suppress dissent and resistance. Desire for efficiency and effectiveness in immigration enforcement leads to calculated operations. 4
Community’s Fear Response Immigrant communities adapt to state aggression by developing strategies to avoid detection. From open community engagement to a culture of avoidance and silence in daily life. In 10 years, immigrant communities may operate under an assumed constant threat, impacting societal participation. Survival instincts lead communities to prioritize safety over community engagement as fear permeates life. 4
Shift in Foresight Practices Foresight is increasingly utilized by federal and corporate entities while being neglected by communities. From equitable foresight practices to a landscape where only powerful institutions engage in planning. In 10 years, communities may feel disenfranchised from future planning processes that directly affect them. A systemic imbalance in resource allocation leads to unequal foresight capabilities. 4

Concerns

name description
State Violence Against Immigrants Federal agents using lethal force against immigrants, creating a culture of fear and trauma within communities.
Systemic Exclusion from Decision-Making Immigrant communities being systematically excluded from shaping policies that directly affect their lives and safety.
Abandonment of Due Process The erosion of rights and protections for immigrant communities, leading to a lack of accountability for government actions.
Mental Health Crisis in Immigrant Communities The ongoing fear and trauma faced by immigrant families resulting in significant mental health challenges.
Asymmetry of Power and Resources Nonprofit organizations and community defenders are under-resourced compared to federal agencies, impacting their ability to respond to threats.
Ethical Responsibility of Futurists The need for futurists to confront the moral implications of their work in context of real-time violence and systemic issues.
Fear-Induced Disengagement from Education Immigrant students feeling unsafe in schools due to the presence of ICE, leading to disengagement from education.
Potential for Escalating Government Control The use of foresight and strategy by federal agencies may lead to increased government control and systemic oppression.
Community Fragmentation and Inequality The strategy of federal enforcement actions leading to family separations and community distrust, increasing social fragmentation.
Normalization of ‘Terror’ as Policy The transition of state actions from policy enforcement to actions perceived as terror, impacting the social fabric.

Behaviors

name description
Community Foresight Immigrant communities practice foresight as a means of survival, anticipating risks and sharing knowledge to navigate daily threats.
Moral Accountability in Foresight A call for futurists to ensure that foresight practices include and prioritize the voices and experiences of those most affected by policies.
Counter-Foresight Developing ethical foresight practices that actively challenge and respond to institutional uses of foresight that produce harm.
Solidarity Action Supporting organizations that aid affected communities as a form of active resistance against state violence and systemic oppression.
Visibility of State Violence Highlighting the coordinated nature of state actions against communities rather than viewing incidents as isolated events.
Collective Knowledge Sharing Community members share information about safety and risk as a collective strategy to enhance protection and resilience.
Reframing Foresight Reconceptualizing futures work to focus on current crises and the lived realities of marginalized communities rather than distant projections.

Technologies

name description
Methodological Foresight Strategic use of foresight methodologies by federal agencies and organizations to anticipate and shape outcomes.
Ethical Counter-Foresight Developing foresight practices that address and counteract harm experienced by marginalized communities.
Collective Knowledge Sharing Systems for immigrant communities to share knowledge about risks and navigate daily life amid threats.
Resilience and Adaptability Frameworks Practices aimed at enhancing the resilience and adaptability of communities facing systemic threats.
Anticipatory Governance Government practices for planning and responding to possible future scenarios, now applied more broadly.

Issues

name description
State Violence Against Immigrants The systemic violence experienced by immigrant communities, evidenced by killings and aggressive law enforcement actions.
Fear as a Community Norm Immigrant communities living in a state of constant fear due to aggressive enforcement and deportation tactics, normalizing terror in daily life.
Erosion of Rights The ongoing decline of rights and protections for immigrants, often ignored or downplayed by those in power.
Strategic Foresight in Governance The use of foresight tools by state and corporate entities to enhance control and enforcement capabilities without accountability.
Moral Responsibility in Futures Work The ethical obligation for futurists to consider the implications of their forecasts and align with marginalized communities.
Disparity in Resource Allocation The asymmetry in resources available for state actions versus those available for community defense against oppressive policies.
Normalization of Surveillance The increasing acceptability of surveillance and control tactics in residential neighborhoods, particularly impacting immigrant populations.
Collective Capacity to Shape the Future The need for immigrant communities to possess the tools and resources to influence and defend their futures amid systemic oppression.
Role of Nonprofit Organizations The challenges faced by nonprofit organizations that defend immigrant rights under strained resources and constant emergency response mode.