We Can Melt ICE.

A friend asked me yesterday how I’m doing amidst all this.

It’s pretty surreal.

I turned back this morning to go home because I forgot to grab my passport, to walk kiddos to school. Midday I thought I heard whistles and sirens so I ran out in my house slippers and a cell phone with video recording ready to go. I grabbed my coat as an afterthought in case I’d be outside for awhile.

A couple friends drove by a minute later, and let me know the source of commotion was 10 blocks away and was being handled. We bid each other “stay safe” and “Doin’ my best to!”

Been delivering groceries and giving rides when I can.

Many BIPOC folks are scared to leave home. They are racially profiling and harassing us.

This is domestic terrorism. The streets are empty as a small town, not bustling with city traffic and people. Many businesses are closed or shutting their doors early. Patrols with whistles are conferring on corners and updating each other on the latest news.

A pervasive, ominous hum of helicopters is making us all on edge. And. And, Minnesotans are tough and resilient, smart and resourceful. Facing this together is making our connections stronger. A growing solidarity, protecting the community where we live.

If ICE is a symptom of how our country’s become fractured by hate, WE are the ones who can melt it with our warmth.