Statement on the Violent Immigration Raids and the Importance of Speaking Out
Punishment is a policy choice that will come for us all.
We stand with communities in Minneapolis and across the country in demanding an end to the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) all-out attacks on our communities, being carried out through Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents. The tragic murders of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Jeffrey Pretti are the predictable consequence of reckless and illegal immigration raids that are tearing apart communities nationwide. While both Renee's and Alex’s tragic deaths were documented on camera, there are at least 6 other individuals who have died while in ICE custody or through ICE-related incidents just this year.
The total impact of the arrest, abuse, capture, and dehumanization of children and families in the U.S. at the hands of DHS officers and agents is impossible to calculate with accuracy. But underneath it all lies the same cruelty and self-justification of power that can be seen in our legal system daily. Systems built on punishment rely on invisibility and hopelessness.
Most of all, they rely on our silence.
We also stand in solidarity with those using their voices and firsthand experiences to bravely challenge the lies of those in power who are harming communities nationwide. The brutality of the government towards its people, written into laws, is not neutral and never has been. For centuries, government acts of force have been weaponized against BIPOC communities, often under the guise of “law and order.” The cover-ups, lies, and erasure are meant to demoralize us and take away our power. And in our hopelessness, massive structures of incarceration, policing, detention, and force have been built in the name of “justice.” But we all have a role to play in taking action.
Silence is not an option.
At every turn in the development of our society, civilian voices have led the way in creating moral pressure to overpower acts of cruelty disguised as law. From Mamie Till-Mobley and Rosa Parks to Sybrina Fulton and Darnella Frazier. Change has almost always been ignited by everyday individuals who refuse to accept dehumanization, loss, and injustice as the norm. Structural change follows public narrative, not the other way around.
Speaking out when witnessing injustice is not a luxury.
It’s our duty to our community. When we speak out, we build solidarity amongst our fellow human beings. We reinforce our beliefs with courage and action. Together, we must actively engage in conversations about state-sanctioned punishment and cruelty in order to delegitimize these government actions. Every voice must be heard so that elected officials know that they are accountable, and community members know that we are not alone. Take care of yourself as you share and receive information, but let your voice be HEARD.
Let Freedom Ring.
Start now: The ACLU of Minnesota needs your help to petition courts to put a stop to the ICE terror in our communities.
SHARING & CARING WHILE USING YOUR VOICE
Some reminders for how to care for yourself and others while sharing your story effectively for change.
Sharing Tips:
Authenticity & Consistency: Be genuine, honest and consistent in your message.
Every space matters: Do not disengage. The way that you speak about these issues to your community members and trusted friends is important. Do not allow your inner circle to be a “haven” from difficult conversations.
Collaborate: Work with supportive allies and partners, including those with different lived experience than yours. Do not tear down your allies or those who are new to understanding injustice. Together, we can reach a volume that shifts the narrative and holds those in power accountable.
Prepare for skepticism: Be prepared to encounter doubters and wilfully ignorant people who will try to introduce counter-narratives and logical fallacies despite overwhelming evidence. Do not waste time and energy deconstructing their arguments.
Caring Tips:
You are allowed to limit exposure. You have the agency to choose intentional check-in times with the news and social media, and to step away when your body signals it has had enough.
You are not alone. Reach out for support and name when something feels heavy. Witnessing harm does not mean carrying it in isolation. Connecting with accountability partners, therapists, counselors, trusted friends, or family can offer safety and steadiness during these times.
Notice what your body is telling you. After consuming disturbing or violent content in high amounts, you may notice tightness, numbness, irritability, fatigue, or even anger. These are not signs of weakness or emotional instability; they are signals. Pausing from watching, listening, or discussing current events is an act of awareness, responsiveness, and care.
Grounding between content and care. After engaging with heavy material, create a buffer before returning to work or engaging with others. This might look like stepping outside, taking a few deep breaths, moving your body, or shifting briefly to a neutral task to help your system reset.
Neighbors caring for neighbors is how we get through this moment. Now is not the time to fight over one another’s journeys to arrive at this moment of recognition. Stay committed to uplifting humanity above political discourse that devalues the life of any individual. Be a part of the change we seek. And remember the words of Frederick Douglass, who turned his personal testimony into a force for abolition,
“Power concedes nothing without a demand. And it never will.”
Make your demands heard.
