What Next | Daily News and Analysis Is Trump Running the Fugitive Slave Act Playbook?
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Jul 8, 2025 
Jamelle Bouie, a New York Times columnist, dives deep into the parallels between the Fugitive Slave Act and current immigration policies. He highlights how historical injustices shape today's political narratives and how federal overreach mirrors past practices. Bouie discusses the role of activism in challenging oppressive laws, drawing connections between 19th-century abolitionists and contemporary advocates for immigrant rights. He emphasizes the evolving public sentiment on immigration and the potential for activism to drive significant policy shifts.
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Fugitive Slave Act's Radical Impact
- The 1850 Fugitive Slave Act forced Northern states to return escaped slaves, inflaming public outrage.
- It created severe political and social reactions that deeply influenced the nation's course toward civil war.
Charles Sumner's Political Rise
- Charles Sumner, originally a lawyer, became politically active defending people against the Fugitive Slave Act.
- His advocacy helped spur the rise of the anti-slavery political movement in the 1850s.
Law Enforcement Spurs Radicalization
- The Fugitive Slave Act drove many previously moderate Northerners to radical abolitionism by exposing them to brutal law enforcement.
- This shift created a mass anti-slavery public that pressured lawmakers toward aggressive stances.