By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Following the recent shooting of three people, one fatally, by ICE agents in Minneapolis and Portland, over a thousand protests were planned across the US. Demonstrations, organized by groups like Indivisible, saw participation in major cities like New York and Philadelphia, as well as smaller communities. Protesters voiced their outrage, demanding justice, the removal of ICE from communities, and action from elected officials. These actions are a response to escalating tensions and the increasing deployment of ICE agents, leading to confrontations and arrests within various communities.
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More than 1,000 events planned in US after ICE shootings in Minneapolis and Portland. It’s truly something, isn’t it? The news has brought to light the fact that over a thousand events are being organized across the country. One cannot help but feel the weight of this information. The sheer number of planned protests, vigils, and rallies is a clear indication that people are deeply concerned about the recent events involving ICE. The tragic shootings in Minneapolis and Portland have acted as catalysts, igniting a wave of outrage and a need for action that is sweeping the nation.
More than 1,000 events planned in US after ICE shootings in Minneapolis and Portland, and the organizers behind these events, like Indivisible with their “ICE Out for Good” initiatives, are focusing on demonstrating the public’s disapproval. They seek to make their voices heard. But it also raises the question: is it enough? When the government is allegedly asserting the “right to murder protestors with impunity”, and the actions of ICE, backed by statements that appear to justify the use of deadly force, are we simply being heard? Or is it time to move beyond the usual forms of protest?
More than 1,000 events planned in US after ICE shootings in Minneapolis and Portland, yet the commitment to nonviolent action and, critically, “no civil disobedience” feels limiting. It’s a natural reaction to ask if these events will truly change anything. There’s a certain irony in Trump’s criticism of Iran while these events unfold in the United States. Many are wondering if the focus on planned, permitted protests, complete with pre-registration, actually lets the government, the very targets of our discontent, off the hook.
More than 1,000 events planned in US after ICE shootings in Minneapolis and Portland, and yet it feels like it’s been decades of these types of gatherings, with no substantial results. The frustration is understandable. It’s the feeling that the current strategy isn’t working, that we’ve lost ground despite years of protests. Instead of allowing our frustrations to be channeled into scheduled, predictable gatherings, maybe, just maybe, it’s time to rethink the approach. The idea is that instead of marching, we must disrupt.
More than 1,000 events planned in US after ICE shootings in Minneapolis and Portland, and this brings into focus where we direct our energy. Are the events in front of the homes of the Senators and Representatives? Are the protests a constant presence that they can’t ignore? Perhaps, the shift needs to be from merely being heard to actually making a difference, even if that means embracing tactics that are considered more risky. If the aim is accountability, then what actions achieve that end? The focus isn’t on the gathering, but on the outcome of the action.
More than 1,000 events planned in US after ICE shootings in Minneapolis and Portland, and what is the plan of attack? The comments suggest that if the true goal is regime change, we need to go beyond the usual ways of protesting. Perhaps the next step is to shut down the source of the evil. Perhaps we should look at general strikes to halt the economic engine, which is very effective to those in power. If the goal is to make a change, then the solution must also be a change.
More than 1,000 events planned in US after ICE shootings in Minneapolis and Portland, and the idea that all forms of activism have been tried, and that we must now move towards direct action becomes very tempting. The call for general strikes, disrupting the system, is a tempting proposition. Some of the most poignant comments point out that while protesting is admirable, it may be insufficient, and has not changed anything in over two decades. There is a sense of urgency, a feeling that the situation demands more than just signs and slogans.
More than 1,000 events planned in US after ICE shootings in Minneapolis and Portland, and the concern is valid. We need to be aware of the pitfalls. The comments highlight the need for careful consideration. The use of inflammatory language risks playing into the hands of those who might want to provoke violence to then justify a crackdown. The goal isn’t just to protest; it’s to force a change, and the strategy is to disrupt the system, not to get people killed.
More than 1,000 events planned in US after ICE shootings in Minneapolis and Portland, and at the end of the day, it’s important to be clear about the goals. The real goal is accountability, an end to the alleged abuses, and a shift in the balance of power. The goal isn’t just a rally. It’s something much bigger. It is the need for us to make sure that the actions we take will bring about the desired change and to think with clarity.