18: What to do about (Secret Pol)ICE In Our Communities

*** We recorded this episode before ICE murdered Alex Pretti, a 37 year old ICU nurse who was attempting to help a woman up who had been pushed to the ground by ICE agents in Minneapolis on the morning of January 24, 2026. Despite the administration's attempt to cover up and justify this murder by claiming that Pretti was holding a gun (he wasn't, it was a phone), the facts are clear: ICE is murdering American citizens. And then, they are lying about it.

 

This is not the America we want for ourselves or for our children. We stand with Minnesota, Maine, and everywhere else that is fighting back. Part of our fight is this episode, and the resources we share in it. Please share widely. We are strongest when we stand together. NO ICE.

 

We leave you with the words of Alex Pretti's parents, who, in the face of the callous killing of their son, left us with who he truly is, in their statement that they released on January 24:

 

“We are heartbroken but also very angry. Alex was a kindhearted soul who cared deeply for his family and friends and also the American veterans whom he cared for as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital. Alex wanted to make a difference in this world. Unfortunately, he will not be with us to see his impact.

 

I do not throw around the ‘hero’ term lightly. However, his last thought and act was to protect a woman. The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting. Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump’s murdering and cowardly ICE thugs. He had his phone in his right hand and his empty left hand is raised above his head while trying to protect the woman ICE just pushed down, all while being pepper sprayed.

 

Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man.”

 

Horns honking, people chanting ICE OUT as they crowd busy intersections.

Horns honking, ICE agents smashing car windows, and grabbing people from their cars.

Which scenario sounds like the America you know? 

Which one, more importantly, sounds like the America you want to be fighting for?

Regardless of what you answered, this episode is a must-listen. We unpack the history of ICE (it’s not a long one, despite what might be suggested by our current administration), why ICE acting as the secret police for the administration is not only incredibly illegal today but also reminds us of another secret police which rhymes with Schmestapo, and what we can all DO about ICE in our communities, especially when it seems like we have no agency. 

What to listen for:

• ICE’s history in America is fairly new – it was formed after the attacks on 9/11/2001.

• The purpose and guideposts around ICE have shifted with administrations.

• Most recently? This federalized force of vigilantes, loosely recruited with even looser standards, has been weaponized and deputized to create mass terror, egged on by a fascist leader with an outsized ego and zero morality. The historic precedent:  Brownshirts → SA. Like the Proud Boys but 1930s style, and this is where we’re at now. But Himmler wanted educated men to be this force, which developed into the SS. Let’s not find out what happens in America if and when we get to the SS stage.

• What can you do? We have tons of ideas for using your body, wallet, writing/petitioning power, and joy. Listen in for our suggestions.

Easy links to click to take action: 

Tell Congress to listen to “wine moms” and stop ICE
Tell Congress to stop funding ICE & CBP and demand accountability

Urge senators to pass the DREAM Act 

Use 5calls to make your voice as a US constituent heard  

Names of companies supporting ICE, courtesy of The Nation, that you can boycott

Resources: 

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS if ICE shows up (we’ve printed this out to make sure our teens see it too) 

What to know if you’re thinking about planning an event 

Example of how it can be done: A local Colorado grassroots organization