OPINION: Trump's GOP once again gives Nevadans something to howl about
thenevadaindependent.com -- Sunday, August 17, 2025, 5:26:54 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Categories: Immigration Policy & Border Issues, Republican Party Politics, Economic Policy & Jobs
As if beleaguered citizens of the Silver State didn't have enough challenges in their daily life, the Nevada Republican Party is floating the daffy idea of creating a "Coyote Compound" in a political paean to Florida's "Alligator Alcatraz." All in the name of border security, of course.
"The crisis at the border isn't just a border state problem anymore, it's a national emergency, and Nevada needs to be part of the solution," a party email requesting members' opinions warns.
It's a challenge to keep up with President Donald Trump's brushfire administration, one in which audacious distraction is part of an authoritarian marketing plan. But the construction of Florida's constitutionally corrupt Alligator Alcatraz immigration detention center has certainly managed to capture the public's attention. It's such a topic of conversation that doesn't include the words "Jeffrey Epstein" and "soaring deficits" that Florida Gov. Rick DeSantis has announced a second facility nicknamed the "Deportation Depot."
The profits being scored by private prison corporations that enjoy Trump's good graces have made fewer headlines. But they're no secret. In fact, CoreCivic CEO Damon Hininger couldn't help crowing about it in a recent earnings call.
"Our business is perfectly aligned with the demands of this moment," he said. "We are in an unprecedented environment with rapid increases in federal detention populations nationwide and a continuing need for solutions."
With that in mind, let's see what the coming months bring in Nevada. Recent news reports about high overtime costs inside the state's prison system are sure to provide fodder for its critics. Informed sources report a substantive uptick in inmate violence that some are blaming on insufficient officer staffing.
It's an issue law-enforcement Gov. Joe Lombardo should understand -- as Clark County sheriff, he was in charge of the detention center -- and find room on his busy calendar to address.
Because if there's an actual call for a Coyote Compound, as dumb an idea as it is, Nevadans will have to be sold on it. In Florida, the bidding process for the detention facility was bypassed in the name of an "emergency" with state contractors winning approval.
The continuing vilification of undocumented immigrants surely plays to the Republican base. When all else fails and Epstein's ghost haunts your dreams, you can always blame the brown stranger.
I'd argue that all the talk about the Nevada GOP's Coyote Compound proposal is having the same effect on a segment of the public. It's an attempt to distract from daily reports about our sagging tourism economy as the state continues to have the highest unemployment rate in the nation.
The trouble is you can't reasonably blame the brown stranger for the fiscal ills that hamstring the state. The drop in international tourism in Las Vegas has also made the news. It's directly related to Trump's obsession with tariffs and abusive bullying of some of America's longtime allies. That's especially true of the Canadian market, which continues to bottom out. Gaming industry bosses initially were slow to admit that the man many of them contributed millions to had done something so damaging to their businesses. But that nodding silence has begun to change.
Who knows, maybe the sharp decline in passenger traffic through Harry Reid International Airport got their attention. They can't blame it on undocumented immigrants. And Nevada's service workers, who rely on tip income to make ends meet, will have to find another scapegoat as well.
Nevada's economic woes are real, but they're certainly nothing to build a new prison over.
That's the biggest problem with the state GOP's latest pabulum. It's painfully ill-conceived. And by that, I mean stupid.
It even manages to vilify the lowly coyote, who already faces its share of critics. Everyone from Summerlin golfing swells to Great Basin stockmen takes a shot at them. When it comes to ferocious reputations, these dogs are certainly no alligators. They still continue to be slaughtered for sport in some parts of the state.
What does state GOP Chairman Michael McDonald expect them to do -- frighten compound detainees by howling at the moon?
I'm not serious, but then his suggestion isn't a serious idea. It's an attempt to distract people from the important issues this state faces. But, given the Trump administration's well-worn game plan, that makes it just the thing its Nevada fan club will probably attempt to force into existence.
In time, we'll see whether the state GOP's bite is as big as its bark.
John L. Smith is an author and longtime columnist. He was born in Henderson and his family's Nevada roots go back to 1881. His stories have appeared in New Lines, Time, Readers Digest, Rolling Stone, The Daily Beast, Reuters and Desert Companion, among others.
Sign Our PetitionThe recent proposal by the Nevada Republican Party to establish a "Coyote Compound" is yet another manifestation of the absurdity and cruelty often associated with the contemporary Republican response to immigration issues. Framed as a solution to a so-called national emergency, this initiative is emblematic of a broader trend in right-wing politics, which seeks to capitalize on fear and scapegoating rather than addressing the systemic issues that plague our society. By invoking the specter of border security, the GOP is not just promoting a misguided policy; it is also engaging in a strategic distraction from the pressing economic challenges that Nevadans face—most notably, the highest unemployment rate in the nation and a tourism industry in decline.
Historically, the use of fear to galvanize support for punitive immigration measures is not new. From the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 to the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, the U.S. has a long history of targeting marginalized groups during times of economic insecurity or social unrest. Today, the rhetoric surrounding immigrants as criminals or threats plays into a narrative that serves to justify inhumane policies and practices, such as the creation of detention centers like Florida's "Alligator Alcatraz." This echoes a long-standing pattern where fear is weaponized by political leaders to consolidate power and divert attention from their failures to address core economic and social issues.
The proposal for a Coyote Compound, in particular, is telling in its absurdity. It reflects not only a dismissal of the realities faced by immigrant communities but also a disturbing willingness to turn the suffering of others into a spectacle. Such proposals are less about practical solutions and more about maintaining a certain political base through constant vilification of "the other." The Nevada GOP’s focus on border security serves as a convenient scapegoat for deeper issues, such as the state's struggling economy and high incarceration rates, which stem from systemic inequality and inadequate public services. By fixating on immigrants as the source of social ills, the party neglects to address the real culprits behind economic distress—such as corporate greed and failures in governance.
Moreover, the financial interests at stake cannot be overlooked. As highlighted in the article, private prison corporations like CoreCivic are poised to benefit significantly from an increase in detention populations. This profit motive raises ethical concerns about the commodification of human lives and the implications of a system that thrives on incarceration. The fact that CoreCivic's CEO openly acknowledges the alignment of their business model with the increasing demand for detention facilities underscores the troubling intersection of capitalism and immigration policy. It raises the question of whether the true emergency is one of national security or rather a lucrative opportunity for profit-making at the expense of vulnerable populations.
In light of these issues, the conversation surrounding the Coyote Compound proposal should serve as an invitation for deeper reflection on our values as a society. It challenges us to consider what we truly prioritize: the well-being of all citizens and residents or the political expediency that comes from scapegoating marginalized groups. As Nevadans wrestle with the implications of such proposals, it is crucial to amplify the voices advocating for humane treatment of immigrants and to highlight the structural reforms needed to address the economic realities facing our communities. By doing so, we can foster a more inclusive dialogue that seeks solutions rooted in justice and equity, rather than fear and division.
In recent discussions surrounding the Nevada Republican Party's proposal for a "Coyote Compound," we observe a poignant illustration of how political narratives can be manipulated to distract from pressing economic issues. The idea of creating an immigrant detention center as a response to perceived border crises reflects a broader trend in American politics where scapegoating marginalized communities becomes a means of rallying support and deflecting attention from systemic failures. This tactic is not new; throughout history, political leaders have often targeted vulnerable groups to consolidate power and divert public scrutiny from their own shortcomings.
The historical context of such scapegoating can be traced back to various periods in American history where immigrants and minority communities have been demonized in times of economic distress. For instance, during the Great Depression, Mexican Americans faced mass deportations despite contributing to the labor force. Similarly, the post-9/11 era saw an uptick in anti-Muslim sentiment, paralleled by a surge in policies that marginalized communities based on national origin. The Nevada GOP’s proposal echoes these historical patterns by presenting undocumented immigrants as the "other," thereby fostering an environment where fear is weaponized against marginalized groups instead of addressing the real economic challenges faced by many Nevadans.
In light of the proposed Coyote Compound, Americans—particularly those concerned about social justice and equitable treatment—must engage in tangible actions to counter these narratives. First and foremost, we can advocate for comprehensive immigration reform that recognizes the contributions of immigrants to society rather than framing them as threats. This includes supporting policies that provide pathways to citizenship and protect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status. Engaging in community organizing and coalition-building with immigrant rights groups can amplify these efforts and create a united front against divisive rhetoric.
Additionally, it is crucial for citizens to challenge the framing of issues surrounding immigration and border security within their communities. By fostering discussions that emphasize the economic realities of states like Nevada—such as the current high unemployment rates and declining tourism industries—we can shift the narrative away from fearmongering. Initiatives such as town hall meetings, public forums, and social media campaigns can serve as platforms to disseminate accurate information about the economic contributions of immigrant communities and to address the misconception that they are the root cause of economic problems.
Moreover, it is essential to hold accountable those in power who perpetuate these narratives for their political gain. In Nevada, this means scrutinizing the actions of Governor Joe Lombardo and other lawmakers who may support the Coyote Compound proposal. Engaging in advocacy that pressures elected officials to prioritize community welfare over punitive measures will be vital. This could involve petitions, organized protests, and direct communication with representatives to express opposition to policies that perpetuate the cycle of fear and retribution against vulnerable populations.
Lastly, education plays a pivotal role in reshaping public perceptions. By equipping ourselves and our communities with knowledge about the realities of immigration, economic policy, and the implications of privatized detention facilities, we can foster a more informed electorate. This involves not only understanding the historical context of immigration policies but also recognizing the socio-economic factors that drive individuals to seek better lives in the United States. In doing so, we contribute to a collective consciousness that rejects scapegoating and embraces a more just, compassionate approach to governance.
In conclusion, the Nevada GOP's proposal for a Coyote Compound serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing political strategy of distraction through scapegoating vulnerable communities. To counter this trend, we must engage in meaningful advocacy, challenge harmful narratives, hold leaders accountable, and educate ourselves and others about the dynamics at play. By doing so, we not only work towards a more equitable society but also reclaim the narrative that has too often been shaped by fear and division.
The article presents a concerning scenario where the Nevada Republican Party is proposing a "Coyote Compound" as part of their border security agenda, reflecting broader trends in GOP rhetoric aimed at scapegoating marginalized communities. Here are some actionable steps that individuals can take to respond to this proposal and advocate for a more inclusive, humane approach to immigration and border security.
### What Can We Personally Do About This?
1. **Advocate for Humane Policies:** Engage in conversations about the need for humane immigration policies that support individuals rather than criminalize them.
2. **Educate Yourself and Others:** Share information about the impacts of for-profit detention facilities and the negative consequences of criminalizing undocumented immigrants.
3. **Support Local Organizations:** Contribute time or resources to organizations that support immigrant rights and work against the construction of detention centers.
4. **Engage in Community Dialogue:** Participate in town hall meetings or community forums to voice opposition to the proposed Coyote Compound and promote alternative solutions.
### Specific Actions You Can Take
1. **Petitions:** - **Petition Against the Coyote Compound:** Find or start a petition using platforms like Change.org or MoveOn.org. You can craft a petition addressing the issues outlined in the article, urging state officials to reject the proposal.
2. **Contact Local Representatives:** - **Write to Governor Joe Lombardo:** - **Email:** info@gov.nv.gov (this is a general contact; look for specific emails for policy proposals) - **USPS Address:** State Capitol Building, 101 N. Carson St., Carson City, NV 89701 - **What to Say:** Express your opposition to the Coyote Compound proposal and advocate for more humane immigration policies. Emphasize that this proposal distracts from economic issues facing Nevadans.
3. **Contact State Legislators:** - **State Senator Mo Denis:** - **Email:** mo.denisen@sen.state.nv.us - **USPS Address:** Legislative Building, 401 S. Carson St., Carson City, NV 89701 - **State Assemblywoman Selena Torres:** - **Email:** selena.torres@asm.state.nv.us - **USPS Address:** Legislative Building, 401 S. Carson St., Carson City, NV 89701 - **What to Say:** Urge them to oppose any proposals that involve expanding detention facilities and advocate for legislative solutions that prioritize community safety and support for immigrants.
4. **Organize or Attend a Rally:** - Join or organize a rally to protest the Coyote Compound. Use social media platforms to promote the event and gather support.
5. **Engage with Local Media:** - Write letters to the editor of local newspapers expressing your concerns about the Coyote Compound proposal and the broader implications of border security tactics that target marginalized communities.
6. **Support Local Nonprofits:** - Contribute to or volunteer with organizations such as: - **Nevada Immigrant Coalition:** [www.nvimmigrant.org](http://www.nvimmigrant.org) - They work to support immigrant rights and advocate for policy changes. - **American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada:** [www.aclunv.org](http://www.aclunv.org) - They engage in advocacy and legal action to protect the rights of immigrants.
### Conclusion
Taking action against the Coyote Compound proposal requires a multifaceted approach involving education, advocacy, community engagement, and direct action. By contacting policymakers, supporting local organizations, and raising awareness, individuals can play a crucial role in standing up against unjust immigration policies and promoting a more inclusive society.