Ep 4- Minnesota Mom Leads Anti-ICE Movement
A Minnesota stay-at-home mom turned activist describes being stalked, trapped, and intimidated by ICE agent on the street which she lives. Surrounded by protest signs and raising her children amid fear, she now helps lead a growing grassroots resistance network. What began as neighborhood concern has become organized community action.
“Minnesota is so pissed right now that I think we have a really good chance of stopping them, or at least getting them to go home, but we really want them to be held accountable.”
OUR INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS
Activism and Signs in the Neighborhood
Ted and the stay-at-home mom discuss the activist signs in her yard, including Black Lives Matter, Know Your Rights, and a photo of Renee Good with "Justice for Good People."
She mentions that the signs came to her house and that all neighbors now have similar signs.
Ted notes that her house could be a target for ICE agents, and she confirms she has been in contact with them, recognizing their vehicles.
She shares a harrowing experience of being followed by ICE agents while walking her children to the bus stop, feeling scared but managing to keep going.
Encounter with ICE Agents
She ecounts another experience where ICE agents trapped her with two vehicles while she was driving at night, causing her significant fear.
Ted expresses shock at the timing of this incident, which occurred two days before Renee Good was murdered.
She describes the video of Renee's murder, which was particularly upsetting and highlights the aggressive tactics of ICE agents.
Ted and the mom discuss the increasing aggression of ICE tactics and the impact on the community, including the presence of a lawyer and a dash cam for safety.
Indifference and Community Support
Ted asks her about the indifferent reactions of some people in the community towards activism.
She expresses frustration with indifference, feeling that it is a waste of time to try to change people's minds.
Ted notes that she is not talking about these issues with her children but will answer their questions.
She shares that her children are proud of her activism and are involved in spreading awareness and safety materials at school.
Protests and Community Involvement
Ted mentions a protest where singers sang and chanted outside ICE agents' hotels, hoping to change their minds.
She and Ted discuss the motivations of ICE agents, speculating about toxic masculinity and the desire for power.
She emphasizes the importance of holding ICE agents accountable and the potential for community action to stop them.
Ted is intrigued by her transformation from a stay-at-home mom to a leading activist, asking about her journey.
Leadership and Grassroots Activism
The mom explains that she started protesting after the second inauguration and that activism has ramped up in the last few months.
She encourages others to take action if they see a need for change, emphasizing the importance of starting initiatives.
She describes her involvement in the community, including being an admin for a Buy Nothing group and a den mom volunteer.
She acknowledges that her activism has led to neglected household duties but feels it is warranted under the current occupation.
Forming and Structuring the Activist Group
She discusses the formation of the activist group, starting with small actions like coffee shop meetings and postcard writing.
The group evolved to include larger protests, such as the DOGE cuts protest with about 50 people and their dogs.
She and her friends put structure into the group by assigning roles and teaching best practices.
They organized a meeting where people could sign up for specific roles, such as rapid response, school patrol, creative resistance, canvassing, mutual aid, and administration.
Future of the Activist Movement
Ted asks her about the future of the activist movement and how it might transition.
She expresses hope that the community will be better for it, even if the worst happens.
She highlights the importance of the relationships and community built through the activism.