Ep 1- Minneapolis, ICE, and a Conversation at 36,000 Feet

On a flight to Minneapolis, journalist Ted Canova begins reporting before takeoff. A chance encounter with a mutual aid organizer turns into a candid conversation at 36,000 feet about ICE operations, immigration fears, and how Minneapolis is responding.

“The city hasn’t lost its footing. If anything, these illegal ICE operations taking place in Minnesota have helped us gain our footing and have helped us come back.”
— Brian

On a flight to Minneapolis, journalist Ted Canova begins reporting before takeoff. A chance encounter with a mutual aid organizer turns into a candid conversation at 36,000 feet about ICE operations, immigration fears, and how Minneapolis is responding.

This episode explores fear, resilience, political division, and the question at the heart of it all: What happens to a city when everyone feels the stakes at once?

OUR INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

Conversation in the Jetway

  • Brian describes the scene in the jetway: a man of color and a younger white woman discussing the safety issues faced by people of color in Minneapolis.

  • Ted overhears a loud conversation in the jetway and meets Brian who responds to other passengers questioning the seriousness in Minnesota.

Immediate Action and Mutual Aid Efforts

  • Brian explains that time is sped up now, and he doesn't have time to explain things; he goes straight to the point.

  • Brian highlights the diverse contributions of various professionals and community members in supporting vulnerable individuals during the crisis.

Community Support and Personal Reflections

  • Brian details the various ways people are helping, from knitting hats to providing legal and medical support, the role of restaurant owners in organizing rides for their workers and parents standing guard at schools.

  • Brian criticizes Trump's obsession with Rep. Ilhan Omar and George Floyd, emphasizing the importance of standing up for black lives.

Telepathy and Organizing in Minnesota

  • Ted compares the current situation in Minnesota to the bridge collapse in 2007, asking about the difference

  • Brian suggests a telepathic connection among people in Minnesota, facilitating better understanding and coordination.

  • Brian mentions the use of Signal for organizing and the government's attempts to disrupt it.

Personal Stories and Political Views

  • Ted recounts a conversation with a Filipino friend from Minnesota who talked of his father's success versus the fraud investigation involving some inn the Somali community.

  • Brian emphasized the importance of understanding and addressing the difficulties faced by others.

Impact of George Floyd and Political Leadership

  • Ted asks about the impact of George Floyd's death on Minneapolis and the Twin Cities.

  • Brian believes the city has not lost its footing but has become stronger and more resilient due to the ongoing efforts against ICE operations.

  • Brian discusses the end game of getting ICE out of Minnesota and the potential legacy of these efforts.