From the Streets of Minneapolis
It’s 8:53am Feb. 4th, 2026. I’m in Minneapolis and I just watched the Tom Homan presser. I know I will soon hear from people offering optimisms about the headlines of withdrawing 700 troops. Let me tell you squarely, I drew no optimism from what I heard. In fact, I found it chilling, ominous.
This alleged removal of agents is a distraction from their real goals and the media is putty in their hands. Now all we will see is headlines of 700 agents leaving, implying “de-escalation” and people will go on with other distractions. Homan’s statements did not align at all with the realities on the ground here in the Twin Cities. His broken record statements of targeted enforcements and professional conduct is not what is playing out on our streets.
Every time one of these press conferences is given I am left dumbfounded and enraged by the journalists present. Their questions are vague and softball. Hold his feet to the fire! Why in the hell did not one journalist stand up and say “Yesterday a press conference was given by the governor, attorney general and school officials about the targeting of children and schools by Ice. The superintendent of a school system in Minneapolis detailed examples of herself and other school employees being harassed and followed by agents, agents following busses, waiting at bus stops and staging in school parking lots. They detailed the trauma and distress this is causing children and Minnesota families. How does your narrative of targeted enforcement fit into this picture? How do you explain the presence of Ice at schools?”
WHY was that question not asked?
Furthermore, what I took from his words, was in fact a barely cloaked warning of escalation. Much of the press conference was devoted to warning that citizens who are observing would be met with stern force for “interfering”. He seemed to imply that a broad range of legal actions by citizens could now be deemed illegal interference, and that even speaking poorly of the agents was not allowed. As of now, it is still our first amendment right to speak poorly of an agency we don’t approve of Mr. Homan.
What I took away from this press conference was more evasion, blatant lies and propaganda for their “great leader” and an ominous sense that things will not soon get better.
I fear people are not seeing the forest for the trees. The forest is our entire nation and Minnesota is the trees. If this nation doesn’t find a way to come together behind Minnesota in a vigorous, sustained and committed way, right now, we are all in serious trouble.
People of other states, call your representatives, again and again, and appeal to them to meaningfully stand with Minnesota. Show up to protests. Sign the petitions. Take part in the economic blackouts. Don’t look away. If you do, I’m sad to say, it will be you next. It will be all of us.
