The Truths We Hold: An American Journey

Content Warning: This section of the guide discusses racism, violence, and substance use disorder.

In The Truths We Hold, Kamala Harris argues for the integration of compassion into law enforcement practices. Through her personal experiences and policy proposals, Harris demonstrates that a more empathetic approach to criminal justice can lead to better outcomes for both individuals and communities. She contends that this compassionate framework is not only more humane but also more effective in addressing the root causes of crime and social issues.

Harris’s approach to immigration enforcement exemplifies her commitment to compassionate law enforcement. She criticizes the Trump administration’s family separation policy, describing it as “a human rights abuse being committed by the United States government” (179). Harris positions herself as a staunch critic of policies that criminalize and punish people who are merely seeking safety:

These mothers had made the dangerous journey to America with their children because they knew that the danger of staying in their home country was even worse. They have the legal right to seek asylum, but when they arrive, we call them criminals. We treat them like criminals (180).

Harris argues, “That is not the sign of a civil society, nor is it a sign of compassion.