The Bisbee Deportation of 1917: A Century Later, Echoes of Labor, Immigration, and Corporate Power Resonate
Over a century ago, a shocking act of domestic deportation unfolded in Bisbee, Arizona. On July 12, 1917, roughly 2,000 striking copper miners – men and boys refusing to denounce unionization – were forcibly rounded up by a posse authorized by the county sheriff and the Phelps Dodge mining corporation. 1,200 were then crammed into cattle cars and abandoned in the New Mexico desert, left without food, water, or the means to return. This isn’t just a historical footnote; it’s a stark reminder of the enduring tensions between labor rights, immigration control, and unchecked corporate influence – tensions that are, arguably, increasing in volatility today.
A Haunting Reenactment and the Persistence of Division
Director Robert Greene’s documentary, TOBEE ’17, captured at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival, doesn’t simply recount this event. It focuses on a modern reenactment staged by the townspeople of Bisbee, revealing the deeply conflicting perspectives that still surround this dark chapter in American history. The film, supported by the Sundance Institute, highlights how the past isn’t past at all, but actively reshaped and reinterpreted through the lens of present-day anxieties. You can find viewing options here.
The Resurgence of Labor Activism and the Modern Deportation Machine
The Bisbee deportation occurred during a period of intense labor unrest, fueled by dangerous working conditions and low wages. Today, we’re witnessing a parallel resurgence in labor activism, from the Starbucks and Amazon unionization efforts to the “Great Resignation” and demands for better pay and benefits. However, the response from corporations and, increasingly, from government entities, often echoes the tactics of the past – not through outright deportation, but through aggressive legal challenges to union organizing, increased surveillance of workers, and the use of temporary labor to undermine collective bargaining power. The core issue remains: the power imbalance between capital and labor.
Immigration as a Weapon: Then and Now
The 1917 deportations were explicitly tied to immigration status. Many of the striking miners were recent immigrants, particularly from Eastern Europe and Mexico, making them vulnerable to exploitation and easy targets for removal. This tactic – using immigration status as a tool to suppress dissent – continues today. The increasing securitization of borders, the expansion of deportation programs, and the targeting of undocumented workers for labor violations all demonstrate a disturbing continuity. As the ACLU consistently points out, immigration enforcement is often used as a means of controlling the workforce and suppressing worker rights.
Corporate Power and the Erosion of Accountability
Phelps Dodge’s role in the Bisbee deportation underscores the historical willingness of corporations to use their influence – and financial resources – to suppress labor movements and maintain control over their workforce. While the methods have evolved, the underlying dynamic remains. Today, we see corporations lobbying against worker protections, funding anti-union campaigns, and utilizing complex legal structures to avoid accountability for workplace safety violations or environmental damage. The sheer scale of corporate lobbying spending – exceeding $3.6 billion in 2023 alone – demonstrates the extent to which corporations are actively shaping the political landscape to their advantage.
The Role of Documentary Film in Challenging Narratives
Films like TOBEE ’17 play a crucial role in bringing these historical and contemporary issues to light. By presenting multiple perspectives and challenging dominant narratives, documentaries can spark critical conversations and inspire action. The power of visual storytelling to humanize complex issues and foster empathy should not be underestimated. Documentary filmmaking, particularly independent documentary filmmaking, is becoming increasingly vital in an era of misinformation and polarized media.
Looking Ahead: Preventing Future Bisbees
The lessons of Bisbee are clear: unchecked corporate power, coupled with the exploitation of vulnerable workers and the weaponization of immigration policy, can lead to profound injustices. To prevent similar events from occurring in the future, we need stronger labor protections, comprehensive immigration reform that prioritizes human rights, and greater corporate accountability. Furthermore, fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry – one that understands the historical roots of these issues – is essential. The fight for worker rights and social justice is a continuous one, and remembering the past is crucial to shaping a more equitable future. What steps can communities take to ensure that the events of Bisbee are never repeated?
