From the very start, comic books have reflected the political landscape in which they're created. Lois Lane #9 is no exception, as the series continues to tackle America's real-world border camps, and debates over immigration. While visiting an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility, Lois Lane points out what she sees as the US government's hypocrisy -- since some of Earth's mightiest heroes, Superman included, are technically 'undocumented immigrants.'
Some of DC's strongest and best known heroes were born on different planets, let alone different nations, throwing their citizenship in the United States in question. As every fan knows, Superman was born on foreign soil before being sent to Earth following the destruction of his planet. Despite being raised (and adopted) by the Kents, whether Clark is or isn't a documented citizen remains to be seen. But now that Lois Lane's completely public wife has raised the question, it seems she has confirmed he is technically undocumented.
Lois Lane #9 by Greg Rucka, Mike Perkins, Andy Troy and Simon Bowland sees Lois visit an ICE facility in hopes of helping a woman named Alejandra, whose family was turned over by the new DC villain Kiss of Death in order to get at Lois. As she waits outside among 'abolish ICE' protestors, she talks with Renee Montoya. It's here that she tells Renee, "Superman is technically undocumented, you know that?" She goes on to confirm the same is true of half of the Justice League, who reside in the United States without issue. But when Renee admits the rules don't apply to them because "they're heroes," Rucka's ace reporter digs deeper into the real issue being highlighted, claiming: "That's not why they get a pass."
Unfortunately, Lois' attempt to help Alejandra and her family out of ICE custody doesn't go as planned. Lois takes blame for what happened, only to learn that Alejandra doesn't know where her children are being held. As Lois tries to comfort her, the guards continually stress that no physical contact is allowed before they kick her out. An extremely angry Lois curses as she exits the facility. Clearly, not being able to help Alejandra is frustrating her... since even for Superman's other half and a star reporter, there seems to be nothing she can do about it.
Lois has a personal stake in what's going on undocumented immigrants being detained by ICE. As she mentions in the issue, that group should technically include Superman, and the others heroes working to keep the country (and the world) safe. Not everyone's as lucky to have superpowers like Superman to fight against injustice. Relocating Alejandra with her family is Lois' top priority, her own safety be damned.
Lois Lane #9 is available now from your local comic book shop.