By John Q. Hosedrinker 
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Barack Obama suggests Minnesota ICE actions part of an even bigger threat to Americans. The initial reaction, if you’re like me, might be a bit of a weary sigh. Yes, it’s January, and the echoes of the holidays are already fading. But the sentiment from these comments is clear: the situation in Minneapolis, particularly the actions of ICE, might be more than just an isolated event. It could be a warning, a sign of something much larger unfolding.
It’s been suggested that what we’re seeing is a test run, a chance to gauge public reaction and refine tactics. The underlying fear, as many commenters expressed, is that this goes beyond traditional government and hints at something more sinister. This “government”, potentially a MAGA-Republican government, is seen as the threat. The use of ICE in Minnesota is perceived as a deliberate move, part of a strategy, testing the waters for more aggressive actions.
The comments express concern about the erosion of democratic norms and the potential for voter suppression. The idea is that ICE could be utilized as a tool for political manipulation, targeting those who oppose a particular ideology. The subtext here is that anyone who didn’t vote Republican is automatically targeted, and ICE is the tool.
It’s interesting, and somewhat frustrating, to see the timing of the message. The comments reflect a collective feeling of being a bit late to the party. The general feeling is, “We know, Obama. Thanks for the shout, but we figured this out already.” The frustration is palpable. Many feel that the warning signals have been flashing for a while.
The discussion also turns to the evolution of ICE itself. The comments highlight that the seeds of the current situation were sown long before Trump’s administration. The expansion of ICE’s power and reach, its transformation into a powerful deportation machine, is seen as a legacy from previous administrations, with strong criticism directed toward Obama himself. This includes the expansion of programs that facilitated deportations.
The sentiment is that the foundations for the current crisis were laid long ago, and that the actions of previous administrations helped set the stage. Some are even going as far as to say that Obama “handed the weapon” over to Trump.
The comments also reflect a deep sense of betrayal. The same person that made the comments about “going high” and doing better for America is being criticized for setting up the very circumstances that he is complaining about. The feeling here is that the message feels hollow. The perception is that the message comes with a significant amount of baggage and a long and complicated history.
Finally, the reaction is a mixture of agreement and dismay. The consensus is that the situation is bad and could become far worse. It’s a sentiment of recognition and fear for the direction the country might be heading.