By Benjamin Joe

(NOTE: The stage is set for Jan. 24 at Amvets Post 13 where several hardcore bands, including Muddle, Juggernaut, Stiff Arm, Dishonored, Monomaniac, Lucky 38, Piss Guzzler, Fathom, Hostile Makeover and War Bond are set to play an all ages benefit for those affected by ICE. Doors 3 p.m.

We were lucky enough to get the thoughts of Ky Reynolds, who is just coming off a tour with War Bond, on the divisive issue in the national community.)

Q: Things are getting very tense inthe country over ICE and immigration. In a few words, what do you think about the capture and deportation of illegal immigrants?

A: First off, we want to say that the idea of a human being illegal is absolute nonsense. We think it’s abhorrent and goes against everything this country claims it stands for. This country was built by immigrants and runs on immigrants. Without them the United States loses its identity and its greatest strength.

Stealing people off the streets and putting them into camps because they crossed some imaginary territorial line is barbaric. You see videos of these ICE raids and they’re all dressed up in their wanna-be militia gear with their guns drawn and masks on. All to try and kidnap a child walking home from school to send them to a country they have no memory of living in.

Not only are these deplorable people a threat to immigrants, but we’re seeing them kidnap, assault and even kill people who were born in this country. We’re seeing the creation of a new militant force with its own regulations, which are incredibly minimal, and are being directly used to enact the desires of the current authoritarian regime.

Q: The sentiment in Buffalo seems to lean towards the political left and protest in a lot of people’s minds. What are you seeing on the road? Are you seeing any dissent from the folks going to see you play?

A: We’re seeing a lot of that same mentality on the road. At each show we played, at least one of the bands talked about protesting ICE, or a desire for change. Some of the bands had songs dedicated to thse topics. Our songs often talk about these issues we’re facing directly and at the end of the shows we had people from the bands and audiences come up to tell us that they agreed with what we talked about and that they feel the same way, which was great to hear each time.

It’s clear that the average person wants drastic change. No line likes living under these current conditions except for the ruling class, who put their boots on our necks in the first place.

Q: Is there any solution in your mind as to actions in the next few weeks, months and even years? Do you think playing music, particularly your brand of hardcore punk, will help the situation?

A: There’s no direct solution we can give to fix the multitude of problems that the average American is facing, but there’s certain things you can do to help. One of the main things to do is arm yourselves. Go buy a gun. We talk about that at every show. It’s your constitutional right to own a firearm, you should embrace that. Don’t just let the government and conservatives have guns.

We do think playing music helps the situation. I mean, there’s always been people playing music as a response to the world around them and the problems they see. Our is just faster and angrier than others. Punk music helps cut to the meat of the problems. Here’s a few fucked up people yelling at you about what the fuck is up and you’d better listen. It might save you one day.

Q: I know you’ll be returning to Buffalo to play a show at Amvets on Jan. 24. It’s billed that proceeds from the show will go towards agencies fighting ICE. What are your thoughts on that?

A: We’re very happy that not only is the show happening, but that we’re on it, as well. We’ve talked about the horrific actions and ideologies of ICE at every show we’ve played and many of the other bands on the bill do as well. Having a show with so many bands showing support for immigrants and taking a stand against the actions of ICE with the proceeds going directly to people in our community, who have been affected, is incredible. We hope to see and play more shows like this in the future.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to say?

A: Fuck ICE. Watch out for each other. And if the cops come around asking questions, keep ya mouth shut. Know your rights and protect yourselves.