Only gives Trump what he wants
I am a Democrat who is appalled at the ICE activities associated with “Metro Surge.” This operation is clearly political theater with the intent of punishing and antagonizing a blue urban area and state. If the Trump Administration really wanted to round up many undocumented immigrants, they would prioritize Texas and Florida, who have far more of these individuals than Minnesota. If this really were about cleaning up social services-related corruption, they would have sent accountants and other white-collar investigators, not masked and poorly trained thugs.
Donald Trump and his lieutenants wish to provoke violent responses which he can throw as red meat to his supporters. For the most part, Minnesotans have admirably denied him this type of reaction. However, Trump got what he wanted when violence recently broke out at a Minneapolis hotel where ICE agents were staying. As reported in the Jan. 27 edition of the Pioneer Press, protesters attempted to enter this hotel, clashing with a Minneapolis police officer and federal personnel and causing significant property damage during the overall incident. This sort of activity is performative and counterproductive. It is probably gratifying to the participants but only gives Trump what he wants.
Another story in the Jan. 27 edition of the Pioneer Press covered the primary individuals who entered a church service at Cities Church on Summit Avenue in St. Paul to protest ICE activities; this church was targeted because the acting Minnesota field office manager of ICE works as a pastor for the church. While not nearly as problematic as the violence shown at the hotel referenced above, this also is an example of performative actions which are counterproductive, in my opinion. Yes, the actions got the participants significant media coverage, but it provided more red meat for the MAGA base without achieving corresponding gains for the anti-ICE cause. Peaceful protest for a just cause is a noble activity, but to take it inside an active house of worship is inappropriate.
Peter Langworthy, St. Paul
We all care
I appreciated Richard Powell’s letter to the editor (“Compassion to go around”) in this past Sunday’s newspaper.
Specifically, his comments about compassion. Liberal Democrats have not cornered the market on compassion and empathy. I would like to think and believe that everyone, no matter their political views, are horrified, dismayed and sickened by the recent tragedies unfolding in Minneapolis. Compassion, empathy and concern for immigrants, all people, really, is not limited to members of one political party. We ALL care. Border control is necessary for our country to give safety to all Americans, immigrants included.
Lois Isaacson, Lakeland
Punishing local businesses
It seems rather ironic that people protesting the presence of ICE chose to punish businesses and restaurants by putting social pressure on them to close and to encourage boycotts of businesses that remain open. I believe that this is rather counterproductive in that the economic impact will be felt on local economies and the state of Minnesota and not on the federal government. It may make the people protesting feel better but the feds might be relishing that Minnesota seems to be shooting itself in the foot and that that protest will do little to influence the federal government.
Bill Filler, South Saint Paul
‘Asinine conclusions’
Our own Minnesota representative Tom Emmer said local and state leaders had “empowered criminals” and would not jump to “asinine conclusions” over the killing of Alex Pretti. I have a question for Rep. Emmer: When it comes to asinine conclusions what do you think of Greg Bovino’s assertion that Pretti was a domestic terrorist? Or Kristi Noem saying, “he brandished a gun and attacked agents”? Or Steven Miller stating “a would-be assassin tried to massacre law enforcement agents”? Can Mr. Emmer please define what he means by “asinine conclusions”?
Steve Larson, Minneapolis
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