ICE is coming to a city near you: things you should know from a tumblrina on the ground in the twin cities
i know i am usually pretty hehe haha on this app and here to generally mess around and have fun about television however, the circumstances of the last few weeks in my city and state have been truly so dire that it feels impossible to even pretend like that is an option right now. and i like to help so here is what i know:
yesterday, january 12th, border patrol commander greg bovino gave a very weird interview to the minnesota CBS affiliate WCCO, in which he lied repeatedly but importantly noted that once they "[get] bad things off the streets, we're off to the next city." we have seen increased immigration enforcement since day 1 of the new trump administration with many cities pushing back against operations already but, as what has been highly reported, nothing as large as the scale of the current operation in MN. plus with the pushback they have received here, these freak individuals will certainly have new motivation to incite violence wherever they go. use this as a little cheat sheet to prepare yourself for when it is your turn or, to jump in to the action rn and help out our immigrant communities in MN.
WHAT MN IS DOING TO PROTECT OUR NEIGHBORS
- following ICE vehicles, observing their arrests and interactions with the public <- this is obviously not without risk. many people are being harassed, physically injured, tear gassed & pepper sprayed, arrested, and as we know, killed when doing this. however, it is still the most useful tactic in intervening with these operations.
- donating, collecting, and distributing food & household necessities for vulnerable families so they don't have to leave their home. there are some incredible operations going on in the twin cities and the surrounding suburbs in order to get this done. if you want to help minnesotans i'd recommend looking into the work of places like smitten kitten, wrecktangle pizza, the immigrant defense network, MIRAC, and MN ice watch. if i were in a vulnerable city (aka blue state) i'd start thinking about groups, organizations, churches etc in your area that could run similar networks and prepare stockpiling donations.
- businesses are operating with reduced (or even fully closed) hours to protect patrons and staff. many have signs in their storefront windows indicating that ICE can not enter. the one i linked is from etsy however organizations in your area will likely have them for free.
- finding out which hotels (usually near a major airport) agents are staying at and protesting all night long being loud as fuck. + boycotting these hotels in the future
- 3D printing whistles! using these whistles in order to alert when ICE is near.
- building online networks and systems to notify of ICE's whereabouts. NOTE! ICE is using cell phone location data to track & identify people!!!! use your best judgment, be smart, & turn your location OFF!
notes for VULNERABLE/UNDOCUMENTED PEOPLE and their families
- get an action plan in place. i know it sucks to talk and think about. i know it is unfair but figure out worst case scenarios and what to do in them. even if you've been here for decades and have felt relatively safe in that time, i do suggest communicating with family and making a plan regardless.
- for PROTECTING MINORS: in minnesota we have something called a delegation of parental authority (DOPA). this is a notarized legal document that delegates the authority and care of minor for one year if their parent or legal guardian can not. i would highly suggest looking into the steps of declaring parental authority in your own state and starting the process asap. (it is relatively easy here in mn! you just need to have one parent present to sign the document and get it notarized)
- prepare as best you can for time off work, a lot of time spent in the house. get little stuff done like tabs for your car renewed, any insurance issues taken care of, doctor's appointments done etc. start talking with your church or immigrant organizations in your area about getting supplies delivered to your home when needed.
- PEOPLE WANT TO HELP! they really do. i know it is so fucking terrifying but there are so many people who do want the best for everyone in their community. if you need help please ask for it.
other general notes: they're arresting literally anyone in MN, citizen or not. they're harassing kids at school (minneapolis schools have allowed for children to learn from home until february 12th). they're arresting people at work. it does not matter. a lot of people here are carrying their passports and other documentation to avoid this. you don't have to give anyone your identification even when asked but unfortunately many who refuse have been met with violence. they're going into hospitals, homes, schools, businesses and they don't have warrants. of course know your rights but be aware they really don't give a fuck. they're arresting first and asking questions later.
most importantly people working for ICE and border patrol have something deeply wrong with them. they're disgusting, immoral people whose "work" will be a stain on their lives and this country until the end of time. and i can not stress this enough, they are so fucking stupid. they are not stronger than us. they are not smarter than us. they are not more righteous or justified in any of their actions and eventually the day will come that their most prized leader turns on them, dies, or both. they will never be forgiven.
with that i leave you with two videos of agents eating shit on the ice that i can't stop watching. fucking pussies.
love ya. be safe
