We deport people too – but Canada is not the destination of choice in the same way that the US is for many. And there is half a continent between Mexico and Canada. Though we do bring in quite a few Mexicans as temporary workers and for citizenship-track employment contracts in high-demand occupations.

Bad things happen, bad people exist in all colors. I grew up in Appalachia but I moved to Florida after teaching in the South Bronx for several years and I was one of a handful of white people in the neighborhood. I felt completely safe and respected because I respected my neighbors and they had my back — same situation here.

Street sense tells me when to avoid dangerous areas, not by the color of the people’s skin nor the language they speak, but by the activities that precipitate violence, like unsupervised teens, drinking and drug use. I also deplore the socioeconomic conditions that force the kids ( black, white, brown, and all combinations) that I teach to live in 3rd world conditions in America while picking and processing the oranges and tomatoes that many consume daily.