by Salvador G. Sarmiento
A packed arena of wrestling fans chanting “F-CK ICE!”… a standing ovation for Bad Bunny at the Grammy’s, simply for saying the words “Ice out”… and a powerhouse Bruce Springsteen anthem with chants of “Ice Out!” from the Streets of Minneapolis hitting no. 1 across all platforms. Much has happened in the past year, but everyone should be clear that we are in a *moment* in this country.
Minnesota is, once again, the flash point. Yes, because of the state violence, but more importantly, because of the people’s response. Minnesotans have courageously shown up – again and again – in numbers, in the streets, for their neighbors and loved ones. We were all witness to the murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. In the last week we have also become witness to the unstoppable heart and courage of their neighbors.
And their message is abundantly clear. ICE OUT OF MINNESOTA.
It is a moment when the public, at large, are made fully aware of what ICE and border patrol represent – a militarized police at the service of Trump and the MAGA worldview – a very real threat to our safety and civic life. Today, people across the U.S., and abroad, are chanting in unison: ICE OUT OF OUR COMMUNITIES.
The demand to get Ice OUT of our communities has been a banner for immigrant communities for years. NDLON anchored this effort – first with ICE Out Of LA, then with partners across the state, with ICE OUT OF CALIFORNIA – and then in communities nationwide. It represents the most effective local organizing to stop deportations – to get localities to say NO to ICE, NO to deportation police or sheriffs, and NO to the conflation between local police and immigration enforcement.
These are the sanctuary cities that twelve years ago led the revolt against the deportation dragnet, otherwise known as S-Comm. Today, these cities and states represent the most effective bulwark against mass deportations – and against the authoritarianism that threatens us all.
The lesson is clear: There is MUCH that we can all do, and MUCH that gov’t officials – at every level – can do to thwart the MAGA agenda of mass deportations and city occupations. To start, we must demand that gov’t officials demonstrate AT LEAST A FRACTION of the COURAGE and HEART of the people of Minnesota.
TAKE ACTION. First, read and share NDLON’s Ice Out memo. Take what serves you and push electeds in your state. Second, if you haven’t already, donate to our Minnesota Fund to support the work of organizers and impacted community. (Donate here) Third, let us know here if you’re already moving a policy in your city or state.
The consensus about saying NO to ICE is only growing; in large part because of the countless reports and videos of abuse – and multiple murders – for starters, but even Trump’s threats and foaming at the mouth is only helping to galvanize the public to show up for our neighbors and loved ones.
Only Jeff Bezos’ Washington Post editorial board seems to be confused at the moment, saying people should “go along [with ICE] to get along.” Thanks, but we’ll continue to side with Minnesotans and everyone affected, ignore that awful editorial, and keep showing up.
Use our Mobilize page to organize your community to take action and engage your local or state officials.
