By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The press has recently softened its criticism of Trump, even when faced with potentially inflammatory actions. Following Trump’s controversial response to a protest, media outlets largely avoided strong condemnation, contrasting with past reactions to similar offenses. This dynamic continued when Steve Bannon initiated a news cycle centered around a potential third term for Trump. Instead of challenging Trump, the media focused on his non-denials, ultimately giving him a platform to subtly promote the idea, while avoiding a direct confrontation.
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The Residents of Minneapolis Are Fighting for All of Us
The situation in Minneapolis has become undeniably dire, a reality that echoes the feeling of a city under siege. It’s crucial to understand that the accounts emerging from Minneapolis aren’t exaggerated; they paint a picture of daily life disrupted by aggressive actions. Schools are struggling to stay open, relying on volunteers to safeguard children, even at bus stops. Businesses face closures and curtailed hours. Violence is commonplace; vehicles are abandoned in the streets after drivers are violently removed, and residents are left to clean up the aftermath of broken glass, tear gas, and flashbangs. These aren’t isolated incidents, but rather, the everyday reality. The severity is even worse than what is portrayed in the media.
This isn’t merely a local issue; the tactics being employed in Minneapolis are a stark warning of what could come next for other cities across the country. The residents of Minneapolis are standing on the front lines, and their fight is a fight for all of us. They are our vanguard, bravely resisting policies that threaten fundamental rights and freedoms. The courage and resolve displayed by the Minneapolis community should be recognized and celebrated.
The residents are not only the vanguard, they are finding creative ways to resist. When ICE agents appear, residents are following and making their presence known. According to an interview of a Minneapolis resident, this is a tactic that has forced the agents to retreat. This shows that their actions are based in fear, and the community is calling them out. They understand that their behavior is questionable, and the attention makes them uncomfortable.
Support for these efforts is crucial. Several organizations are on the ground in Minneapolis providing critical assistance and organizing resistance. Unidos MN trains residents to observe and report ICE activity, Take Action MN builds hubs for mutual aid, and Families Helping Families offer rent relief and student transportation. Additionally, civil rights organizations like the Immigrant Defense Network and the Council on American-Islamic Relations are active in the city. The Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee and legal aid organizations like the Midwest Immigration Bond Fund and the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota also deserve our support.
The actions of ICE in Minneapolis are a clear demonstration of the threat to civil liberties. ICE is acting without warrants, threatening people with violence, and entering homes without consent. These tactics are designed to intimidate and terrorize, and the fact that they are used against people in their communities is a clear warning sign.
The mainstream media is underreporting the severity of the situation. It’s important to understand the scale of these actions – people are being targeted and detained. Helicopter surveillance is constant. This is not just about catching criminals; it’s about the systematic harassment of entire communities. It’s about neighbors being kidnapped and later released, often after days, simply for their appearance or the fact that they live in the area.
Those living in Minneapolis are in a battle for their freedom, and it’s essential that the rest of the country supports them. The residents of Minneapolis are exhibiting bravery, and they deserve our support. We need to remember that these are our neighbors, and their fight is the fight for a free and just society.