From Ground Zero Minneapolis:
Global Resistance Must Continue Against Fascist ICE and Trump
Don’t Believe the Hype!
The Trump administration announced that it was ending the months-long occupation (“Operation Metro Surge”) of Minneapolis/St Paul by thousands of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol cops.
Thousands resisted and defended at-risk immigrants and their defenders. The whole world was watching as this fascist onslaught unfolded and resistance was determinedly escalated. Other areas around the country took to the streets in protest and resistance to ICE. The whole world was watching. The Trump fascist administration was forced to deal with the negative optics and go into spin mode.
The openly fascist Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino was out, and in came Donald Trump’s “border czar,” Tom Homan, another openly fascist and racist figure. He claimed “a significant drawdown has already been underway...” Yes, we can celebrate, but look at the cost — two civilians who dared to resist — Renee Good and Alex Pettri — were murdered by these fascist cops, while thousands were arrested and detained. Let alone hundreds of immigrants snatched off the streets. (These two murders join the victims to the annals of Stolen Lives Project. Please see below for a record of recent law enforcement murders.)
Michelle Gross, president of the Minneapolis-based Communities United Against Police Brutality (CUAPB), is an active part of the October 22nd Coalition national network. She has been on Ground Zero and has been a significant figure amongst the resistance. In a February 16 communication with O22 national network leaders, Michelle spoke on the reality that continues in Ground Zero:
We still have probably 1500 to 2000 agents in town and they continue to snatch people off the street. Just on two short trips today, I've run into three ICE agent vehicles. Two of my neighbors got snatched Saturday afternoon. But they're being more sneaky about how they do it. One female ICE agent pretended her car broke down and when people came out to help her, other ICE agents swooped in and snatched any people of color who were there... In other cases, they are dressing up like utility workers, knocking on doors and snatching people when they answer... So we're asking people to remain vigilant and continue our neighborhood patrols... We need people to stay in the streets.
