Some emotional national stories are captured by news cycles/social
media, and keep growing. I am referring to scenarios that pull at the heart
strings. These stories are more likely to bring Americans closer together as we
share our common humanity rather than to increase our political and social
divide.
Examples include Lindsay Vonn attempting to compete in the
Olympics with a torn ACL. This story touched us all as an act of personal
courage. Another is the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Savannah
Guthrie. These unthinkable circumstances lead us to consider such a horrible
event in our own lives.
Also in focus, is the crisis in the twin cities,
Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP). The unprecedented “Operation Metro Surge.”
conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) brought normal activity
to a halt. This situation compels us to contemplate such an overwhelming
disruption in our lives.
This largest operation in ICE history began in January. At its peak, roughly 2,400 federal
agents from ICE and other agencies were deployed. (For comparison, 300 agents
were activated in much larger Chicago.) The terrifying
effect on MSP has included the killing of two American citizens, the use of
military tactics against protesters by untrained officers, and the violation of
the basic civil rights of immigrants.
This commentary will focus on what the ICE operation looks like where
citizens live and work. The impressions I am relating come from the journalists
on site (There were probably as many reporters from every major news source as
there were ICE agents.) and from a close relative, with Washington connections,
who now lives in MSP. My intent is not to present a formal legal analysis. What
follows is a description of ordinary people, reacting to a situation that is as
close to a modern domestic war zone as our nation has experienced.
We all like to talk about the weather. After the ICE operation began
conditions in MSP were extremely cold with temperatures and wind chills well
below zero. Hypothermia was a real concern, making it unsafe for prolonged
exposure. Nonetheless, as the ICE operation progressed, many thousands of local
citizens turned out each day to help those under duress and to demonstrate
against the brutal crackdown.
Originally
inhabited by the Dakota and Ojibwe, MSP was settled in the 19th century largely
by Scandinavians and Germans. Today, it is a hub for large Somali, Mexican, and
Hmong communities.
According to a reporter from New York Magazine, “It is the
misfortune of ICE to have invaded the state with the second-highest level of
social trust.” The citizens of MSP know how to organize and take care of each
other. Local elected officials, local news agencies, small business and
corporations, churches and charities all made drastic changes to their
schedules to help those under siege. Average citizens reported that between
their regular responsibilities and volunteering they often worked 18-20 hours
each day.
Thousands of concerned citizens buy groceries and walk dogs for potential
ICE targets. The church, Iglesia Dios Habla Hoy, dropped off more than 12,000
boxes of essentials in six weeks. Volunteer shuttles drive sick immigrants to
doctor appointments. Volunteer tow trucks return vehicles to their owners who fled
on foot from ICE officers seeking to arrest them.
In every residential community, average citizens use whistles as a
nonviolent signaling device to immediately alert their neighbors who might be
the subject of a raid. The whistles draw support to the scene for community
protests. Ordinary people juggle daily life to look out for each other, however
they can.
All over MSP, a common sight was three SUVs moving in tandem with 12
agents, suddenly ducking into a side street and surrounding a house. To counter
this activity, a sophisticated tracking system was developed to pinpoint the
location of ICE vehicles as they departed the federal building.
N., our relative in MSP, had some interesting facts and observations to share.
He carries a whistle on his key chain and a designated phone number in his
mobile to warn of ICE activity. His young child asks questions about why the
ICE personnel look so threatening compared to the local police she has come to
know and respect.
N. believes that ICE is in his community in such large, intimidating
numbers to “stoke fear and lower the voting rates in the mid-term elections.”
He reports that since the shootings “Trump/MAGA supporters are few.” N. points
out that one underreported fact is that “The community has organized a
volunteer network to watch over the memorials for the two killed protesters, Renee
Good and Alex Pretti. Anyone is able to come mourn, reflect, and embrace their
community without judgment.”
A major takeaway for N. is that you do not need to be protesting to make
a difference. “There are ways of showing your support like making grocery runs
for our neighbors.” He believes the impact of local businesses was under-reported.
“Local shops are donating their profits, cooking meals for free, closing for a
day of solidarity.”
N.’s final thought is that “This is not about left vs. right or about
criminals. It’s about fear. Our devotion and hope are stronger.”
On February 12, the massive ICE surge began winding down. Mayor Jacop
Frey proclaimed: “They
thought they could break us, but a love for our neighbors and a resolve to
endure can outlast an occupation.”
.
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