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Hi all! If you’re really only here for the talk about writing, books, and inspiration, I get that, and those things will continue to be the focus of this blog. In my next post, I’ll be back to my regularly scheduled programming!
Last week, a little video of me protesting the deadly violence of ICE went viral on Facebook and Instagram. Most of the comments I received were positive toward the protest and negative toward ICE. However, many people left dumb comments—including a couple of things that I’ve heard liberals say about conservatives, too.
Because I have many international readers who may be unfamiliar with the circumstances, I’ll first give you a lot of background information about my reasons for protesting.
Please note: I’ll be moderating comments on this post.
In the month of January, U.S. federal “law enforcement officials” killed two Americans in Minneapolis: Renée Good and Alex Pretti.
We had multiple videos of Alex’s murder and the thirty seconds or so before it, when a border patrol agent shoved a woman to the pavement. (I have personally witnessed an ICE agent do this to a woman, just for calling him a name—which meets the legal definition of free speech.)
Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse at a veteran’s hospital, put himself between the attacking agent and the woman on the pavement. He was pepper sprayed, tackled to the ground, disarmed, beaten, and shot in the back multiple times.
He did not resist arrest. No one attempted to arrest him, and there was no grounds for an arrest.
You can see some of the videos synchronized here, but it is a difficult watch.
This must-see one-minute video explains what happened…
U.S. combat veteran and ex-sniper Cory Hargraves offered a clear analysis of what led border patrol agents to kill Alex Pretti. You can watch it on Instagram. This video includes salty language, and it expresses the caliber of my anger over the government’s lies.
Vice President J.D. Vance, Stephen Miller, Kristi Noem, and Greg Bovino told egregious lies about the man their goons killed on the street.
•Kristi Noem, the head of the Department of Homeland Security, falsely claimed that Alex Pretti “attacked” officers and was “brandishing a gun.” As you can see with your own eyes in the videos, he did not attack, and he was holding a phone.
•Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller falsely claimed Pretti was a “domestic terrorist” and an “a would-be assassin” who “tried to murder federal agents.” Vice President J.D. Vance, shown here, reposted these lies.
•Disgraced U.S. Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino falsely claimed, “…it looks like (he) wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement.”
•The DHS also lied when they said the agents faced a “violent riot.” As we can all see, the agents faced a few people standing around on the street, blowing whistles and video recording them.
It’s worth noting, by the way, that J.D. Vance claimed that federal law enforcement officials are “protected by absolute immunity.”
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and the Department of Homeland Security have committed shocking violence and widespread human rights abuses under Trump and Vance.
It would take a separate website to adequately cover this, so I’ll just mention a few things. Please note that while I am linking to sources, these stories are very disturbing.
•ICE deported a 4-year-old child (U.S. citizen) with kidney cancer to Honduras, so he missed crucial treatments. Because I donated one of my kidneys to a stranger, I’ve read a lot about kidney cancer treatment, so this story especially enraged me.
•ICE detention centers, including Fort Bliss and Broadview, have hundreds of reports of inhumane treatment, insufficient food (even for pregnant women), beatings, sexual abuse, and what the ACLU describes as “acts of intimate torture.” Detainees have been refused medical care and legal counsel; one reportedly even had his Bible taken away. Nearly 75% of detainees have no criminal convictions other than being undocumented.
•ICE agents have shot other U.S. citizens, including Marimar Martinez here in Chicago. Border Patrol agent Charles Exum shot her several times and bragged about it in a text. He has not been disciplined or charged. Martinez claims the DHS has lied about her actions, and I believe her, because she’s demanding to see the bodycam footage.
•ICE agents have beaten up, tear gassed, and unlawfully detained more U.S. citizens than I can count, sometimes tear gassing children or dragging people out of their cars. As one example, they beat up a 79-year-old American car wash owner, putting him in the hospital. The man had approached them to show them documentation for his employees. Here’s a firsthand account of how the U.S. government is terrorizing Minneapolis, written by a book lover on Instagram. Last fall, I wrote about ICE in Chicago.
•ICE sent 252 men, only 8 of whom had been convicted of violent crimes, to a prison in El Salvador where inmates are brutally beaten and tortured.
My husband and I protested ICE on the Sunday after they killed Alex Pretti.
I heard about the protest about a half hour before it happened and made signs quickly.
I rarely discuss politics on any of my platforms. But on my Instagram, I posted a quick video of me at the protest, sharing my feelings about the issue. The reel has currently reached close to 75,000 views.
One result of this was that I spent at least twenty hours last week deleting hateful comments and blocking accounts, and I’m still doing it.
While this isn’t a super fun way to spend my time, the negative responses made my video go viral, spreading my opinion about ICE far and wide. This is why, when you see something you disagree with on social media, the smartest thing you can do is scroll past it as soon as possible!
People said a lot of dumb things. Here are 12 of them!
1
“Get a job!”
People always say this about protesters. It’s even dumber when the protest is on a Sunday, like this one was. But really, do people think it’s impossible to have a job and do anything else? If someone invites these folks to a barbecue or a wedding, do they say, “Sorry, I would love to, but I have a job”?
2
“Paid protester!”
This was a funny accusation to make at the same time a Craigslist ad offered people $50 to sit through a screening of the movie about Donald Trump’s wife Melania.
I’ve never been paid to protest. Despite having talked to fellow protesters at several protests now, I’ve never talked to anyone who said they were being paid. I am the one who is paying: in the cost of gasoline, poster board, Sharpies, professional printing services, and most of all, my precious time. To me, it’s worth it.
I’ve seen liberals make similar claims about right-wing rallies and protests, although less often. I think it can be hard for people to understand or accept that many people hold strong viewpoints that are contrary to their own.
Tailored algorithms and biased news sources mean that different Americans have very different perceptions of reality. For instance, people with right-wing news sources have likely never heard of any of the ICE human rights abuses I listed above. Instead, they’ve read lots about ICE arresting actual criminals.
3
“Did you protest when Obama was deporting immigrants?”
No, because while I am sure ICE and the DHS were guilty of instances of wrongdoing under Obama, masked goons weren’t beating up, tear gassing, and shooting so many people. They also weren’t detaining so many U.S. citizens.
In general, I like to get along with everyone. I can’t stress enough how much I’d prefer not to be involved with anything political. However, the brutality, the deadly violence, and the destruction of our constitutional rights committed by ICE and the DHS under the Trump/Vance administration is impossible to ignore.
4
“Did you protest when Laken Riley was killed?”
Laken Riley, a nursing student, was tragically murdered by a man who was in the country illegally. (It’s important to note here that illegal immigrants in the U.S. have a much lower violent crime rate than native-born U.S. citizens.)
Here are the reasons why this is a dumb thing to ask. Laken Riley was not killed by the government. The government did not defend her murder and say she was a domestic terrorist. Laken Riley’s killer was, fortunately, convicted and thrown into prison, which I think should happen to ICE agents who kill people for no good reason, too.
5
“He was carrying a gun!”
Alex Pretti was legally carrying a concealed gun, which is protected by the Second Amendment. Exercising one’s First Amendment does not cancel out the Second Amendment. The dumbest thing about this was that, traditionally, conservatives have supported the right to bear arms. Suddenly, Republican leaders are suggesting that if you are exercising your Second Amendment right, you should expect to be shot dead.
There is profound hypocrisy here, because many right-wing protesters carry guns to protests. One could also argue that some left-wingers are being hypocritical by defending the right to bear arms, but not all left-wing people oppose the Second Amendment. The bottom line is that the right to bear arms isn’t dependent on how you vote.
6
“He should’ve informed the officers he was carrying a gun.”
When? Right before he pepper sprayed him? Watching that video, can anyone seriously believe that if in that moment, Pretti said, “I have a gun,” that would’ve made things better?
7
“His parents warned him not to protest.”
Parents shouldn’t have to worry that their children will be beaten up or murdered for filming government agents or exercising their right to free speech. So that’s a good point, actually. It’s just dumb to bring it up as a rationalization for Pretti’s murder.
8
“Just don’t protest. Problem solved!”
Again, Pretti wasn’t protesting; he was filming, then trying to help a woman who was pushed to the ground. Nonetheless, this is a pro-fascist statement, suggesting that we should not have our First Amendment freedoms of speech, assembly, and protest. A few people went a step further: “Just go to work and go home.” In other words, put yourself more or less on house arrest. Is that anyone’s idea of a free country?
9
“This was Biden’s fault.”
Alex Pretti’s death was the fault of the men who tackled him and shot him in the back multiple times, and also the fault of ICE, the DHS, and the Trump/Vance administration. Their history of brutalizing people is why Alex Pretti was filming ICE agents, and again, the reason he stepped forward was because one of the border patrol thugs shoved a woman to the ground.
J.D. Vance, Kristi Noem, Stephen Miller, and others are also responsible for the lies coming out of their mouths and posted on their Twitter accounts.
10
“You’re ugly.”
Irrelevant, and if I don’t look cute to men who approve of their government killing Americans on the street, that’s absolutely fine with me. Attacking someone’s looks always makes it sound like you have no argument, which is probably the case here. But liberals make fun of their opponents’ looks all the time, when they could be talking about atrocities. This kind of insult is dumb no matter who does it.
11
“You’re in favor of rapists and pedophiles.”
I’m a child rape survivor, and the vast majority of reported rapes in this country don’t result in arrest. If ICE agents were only arresting rapists and pedophiles, in a disciplined and professional operation, I’d be buying them drinks.
I should point out that I have heard from some people who do support strict immigration laws, but absolutely oppose how ICE and DHS are operating.
And I have to ask: if the Trump administration is so opposed to rapists and pedophiles, why did it take them so long to release only some of the Epstein files? Why did they first claim there weren’t any? Why are they so heavily redacted, while failing to redact private information about over one hundred victims?
12
“I’m going to notify your employer that you’re protesting against ICE.”
I already shared this one on my Facebook author page, and people had some very funny responses!
I’d love to hear from you!
What stories do you hear about ICE, and where are you? Do you have any experience with protests? What reactions have you gotten to sharing your political reviews! Let us know in the comments! Thank you for reading!
Well written Bryn! I’m with you a hundred percent. Susan Bagby
Thank you, Susan! I appreciate you!!
More power to you! I’m watching from France with increasing horror. Most of the political parties in the UK (I’m British) are fighting each other to see who can be the most fascist. There’s a book on there somewhere!
Take care,
Ken
Ugh, it’s so awful to see this rise of fascism. We have to peacefully resist where we can! Sending good wishes to you in France.
I am from Canada and the killings in Minneapolis are big news up here. I am saddened by what is happening in your country.
On a writerly note, I have a project I’d like to discuss with you. It involves one of your lists. Please email me at (email hidden).
Hi Jason! Thank you for your supportive words. I removed your email because I don’t want anyone to harass you, but I saved your contact info and I will be in touch!
I’m just visiting from Canada for the winter but in general, I would say Canadians don’t understand how two men can shout someone in the back 10 times.
The lies coming from their superiors is just a common occurrence by politicians now.
It’s sad to see
It really is sad! And yes, it makes no sense. Thank you for commenting!
Thank you.
💙💙💙
I applaud you for having the chutzpah to not only protest, but to use your platform to spread the word about something very seriously wrong with our country. There have been times when I have gotten political in the past. I was told, under no uncertain terms that a writer should not be taking sides. I cry bull to that.
As writers we have an obligation to call out injustices, as needed. We may not paint or sing or dance, but we are still artists. Artists can be silenced, and have been silenced, for being subversive or complaining about the establishment. And if we are silenced, like Jimmy Kimmel and Don Lemon, then what are we even doing?
And, for what it’s worth, I agree with you. Don’t like a post? Move on! Why bother spewing poisonous rhetoric? You did what you felt was right. Take a bow, because we applaud you!
I am proud of you for protesting and also I think your writing makes an airtight case against anyone hating on you for doing it! I plan to protest soon as well. Glad to have these cohesive arguments to pull from. You are a beautiful woman inside and out. I love you!
Ah, Bryn—I will never understand these people. For the record, number 10 is a liar and number 11 is the definition of the pot calling the kettle black. It’s no wonder “smart people” don’t like him.
Thank you for sharing this—and I’ll keep protesting, too. 💕
Dear Bryn. Hello from Canada. Your words, critical and informed, continue to impress and inflame me. I trust you. As a sister author, I’m aware that all authors in every genre are necessary reporters now. Our dedication to evidence based research and focus on humanity at its worst and best form a network against the systemic double speak of totalitarian governments. What I really mean to say is, Brava for your stand, your writing, your unflinching disclosures and support for the best in your country. We are with you here because the elements bringing down your country are at work in my country too. Bon Courage, Bryn and thank you.
Thank you for sharing all of this. I admire you greatly, and I know it takes mental/emotional energy to process these kinds of comments even if you know they’re wrong. Thank you for enduring all of that in the name of speaking out. And thank you for protesting!
Good for you!!!!! It always amazes me how so many people lack critical thinking. It’s all emotional and they insist on making the logic fit the emotions. Stay strong. This is a terrible affliction that has poisoned the United States and I hope you guys get rid of Trump and all the support for him soon.
Kudos for your much-needed activism and for this post. Well-measured, well-said (of course!), true observations. I’ve never been able to understand the troll mindset (probably a good thing for my own mental health), though I suspect that, like the current occupant of the Oval Office, they simply enjoy spreading chaos and destruction (and many of them are not even real people, but creations of political boiler rooms here and abroad). Attempting to demean others just gives them a buzz. Well, as the saying goes, “haters gonna hate,” but that’s their problem, not ours. Ours is to stand fast and keep speaking out for decency.
I hope your ‘Employer’ gave you an ‘Employee-of-the-Year’ award, time off with pay and a raise! Keep fighting the good fight! [with a little writing mixed in]. Your followers adore you and you’re beautiful inside and out!!! <3
I admire you for speaking out, Bryn, and thank you for taking the time to show some of the ludicrous complaints about you standing up against what was, essentially, a fascist state murdering its own citizens and then lying to hide the truth. I’m sure at least some of the replies you got will have been from bots—AI is everywhere and sadly it has been programmed by the very animals who think it’s acceptable to kill anyone who exercises their right to disagree with a corrupt government’s atrocities.
I fear it’s going to get a lot worse—dementia doesn’t get “better”—so take care of you and yours.
Hello from Britain where many of us have been watching appalled at the brutality, and apparent unaccountability, of ICE. Well done for protesting. It gives us heart that so many good Americans are showing their opposition to this attempted fascist takeover of a great country.
Hi Bryn, so proud of you! I am 74 years old and never thought I would see such happenings in America, land of the free and home of the brave. It makes me want to cry when I think about all of the brave lives that have been lost over the centuries to keep our country free. I hope their lives weren’t in vain. It gives me hope when people like you stand up for what is right, along with many others. It just baffles me why Congress will not stand up to keep our freedom. I am dumbfounded that they, along with the Supreme Court and others are standing idly by and letting this happen. It’s like a bad dream that we wake up to everyday. Thank you for standing up, Bryn. Thank you, Thank you! I pray things get better.
Your responses to these ridiculous comments are clever and meaningful. Some of them I’ve heard from Trump supporters myself, and I could only shake my head in disbelief. Thanks for sharing your experiences. I wish the best for you and your family.
I am so proud of you for standing up for justice and speaking the truth, even in the face of such hateful posts (although, I’m not surprised. That’s the kind of gal you are!). As you might recall from our earlier chats, I have been tamping down a visceral fear and anxiety for almost ten years. Moving helped that a little. However, as I reflect on the current times, my utter despondency comes from the realization that so many people are willing to fall for the false narrative because it taps into a darker side that they approve of on some level. That is what is horrifying. And I truly fear what lies ahead.
I was called an “educated red hat.” I think that refers to those who are now wearing red hats in Minnesota as a form of protest, a la the French Revolution, rather than the poem from decades ago.