For Kentavius Jones, executive director of Talbot Mentors, the recent surge of immigration enforcement on the Mid-Shore by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is less about politics than humanity. Week after week, he’s confronted with the fear and disruption these actions bring to the families his organization serves—students coming home to find a parent gone, mentors trying to comfort children left adrift. Known to many simply as KJ, he speaks with quiet urgency about the need for compassion in public policy and a justice system that recognizes people, not just cases.
In our Spy interview, Jones acknowledges that America’s immigration system needs reform. But he argues that tearing apart families who have worked, contributed, and built lives here betrays the nation’s values. The America he knows, he says, is one that offers grace—one that protects rather than punishes those who’ve pursued its promise.
This video is approximately six minutes in length.
katie hamilton says
Is there a way to get a transcript of the video?
Thanks, Katie
Editor says
You can get a readable transcript of most YouTube videos by opening the video on a desktop, clicking the three-dot menu under the player, choosing Show transcript, turning off timestamps if you like, then copying and pasting the text into a document to save
Linda Cades says
Dear Kentavius,
Thank you for doing this always important work, bringing together kids who need help with mentors who want to provide an adult friend for them. That work takes on even more importance with immigrant families being torn apart by a cruel and misguided immigration policy. Washington College can be justly proud to have you, one of its wonderful graduates, using the education they provided to do such valuable work.
Blair B Potter says
Agree 100%!!
Peter Gallagher says
Terrific KJ , we are proud of the good work you are doing with compassion and grace. Thankyou,Caroline and Peter
Craig Michaels says
Sir,
Your work is to be commended, although somewhat misguided.
There has been a clear and legal path for migrants to be in the USA for many years.
Please let me know your thoughts.
Craig
Craig Michael says
TJ, thanks for your compassion. Please remember there has always been a legal way for migrants to enter the United States.
Those who disregard the law should be treated as anyone else who does so.
Thank you for your efforts.
Craig