What Happens When a Patriot Becomes the Threat

American nationalism enraged

 

Earlier today, I responded to a post on a Facebook page about immigration. I didn't insult anyone. I didn't use sarcasm. I simply made one thing clear: both Republicans and Democrats have built an economy dependent on cheap and exploited immigrant labor. Instead of celebrating the "contributions" of immigrants as if they owe them something, we should be calling out the politicians, corporations, and institutions that have taken advantage of their vulnerability.

I expected disagreement but not a meltdown. A man responded to my comment. His profile featured a faceless photo, and he claimed to have 25 years of experience in counterterrorism. His reaction wasn't to debate but to vent. He insulted me, called me a loser, accused me of doing nothing for this country, and demanded I stop "crying for Trump." He wrote all in capital letters, furious. He wasn't responding to what I said but to the fact that I had dared to say it.

Then he sent a Terminator meme that said, "It will never stop... EVER! Until you're deported." That's when I realized he didn't care if I was a citizen. He just couldn't stand someone like me—bilingual, confident, and politically aware—speaking up. I didn't fit the stereotype of the silent, submissive Latin American who needs to feel powerful. I responded ironically.

Referring to the meme, I asked him if the movie in question was Lunatics United or Moronics United. That only infuriated him further, and he continued writing in all caps. So, I told him the truth: "Based on your tone, your anonymous profile, and your obsession with those you perceive as undocumented immigrants, you seem more like the kind of man who ends up in the news for committing a hate crime, not someone who has defended this country."

I didn't say that to be cruel. I said it because this country needs to face the truth. People like him—angry, anonymous, and devastated—represent a real danger. They think they're patriots, but they act like ticking time bombs. He claims to have defended democracy, but now he threatens it with rage, paranoia, and a toxic view of who does and doesn't belong in the United States.

That's not an isolated case. It represents what happens when political discourse fuels resentment, seeks scapegoats, and masquerades as national pride. I don't fear immigrants but rather self-proclaimed patriots shouting into the void, armed with hatred and convinced of their righteousness.

We are facing an extreme nationalist climate fueled by the paranoia of a supposed Latin American invasion. Extremism isn't based on data or facts; it only needs a trigger to explode. And too often, that trigger is a name, surname, physical appearance, or accent that isn't Anglo.

That's why, whether we're citizens or not, we all fight against hatred and violence toward anyone who looks different. When it comes down to it, they lump us all together and send us to whatever country they want, regardless of our status. I'm not the kind of Latino that Trump's cult supporters expect to feel powerful: docile, submissive, grateful, and silent. I'm not going anywhere, and that enrages them.