Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Nevilledog

(54,783 posts)
Sun Feb 8, 2026, 01:58 PM Sunday

A Small Town Under ICE Occupation

https://dailyyonder.com/a-small-town-under-ice-occupation/2026/02/02/

On a sub-zero day in Willmar, Minnesota, fifteen residents gathered around a table at a restaurant in town. It was the middle of the usual lunch rush on a Saturday, but the group sat alone. The restaurant was closed because ICE was in town.

Invited by the restaurant’s owner Willie Gonzalez, the residents pushed tables together and sat in a large circle.

They were there to talk about what was happening in their town. Thousands of ICE agents had descended upon Minnesota in recent weeks at the orders of the Trump administration – largely in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, but also in places like Willmar, a small town enriched by its residents of Somali and Latino descent.

That morning, ICE agents had shot and killed U.S. citizen Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. As in urban hotspots, ICE presence was escalating in Willmar.

For his part, Gonzalez, a Mexican-American citizen, made sure to sit on the side of the table facing the window so he could watch the street for ICE.

The residents around the table were high school students and business owners, children and parents, white neighbors witnessing the terror in their community and neighbors of color living it. Some preferred not to share their full names in this article.

*snip*
8 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
A Small Town Under ICE Occupation (Original Post) Nevilledog Sunday OP
Good read BWdem4life Sunday #1
... Nevilledog Sunday #2
K&R 2naSalit Sunday #3
I hate those fucks FoxNewsSucks Sunday #4
Excellent.. thank you for posting mountain grammy Sunday #5
K&R Solly Mack Sunday #6
Small town people are often close, friends. twodogsbarking Sunday #7
Thank you OddMom20 Sunday #8

FoxNewsSucks

(11,565 posts)
4. I hate those fucks
Sun Feb 8, 2026, 03:27 PM
Sunday

Bullies, thugs and cowards who totally ruing life wherever they go.

Fuck them. I hope they burn in hell soon.

mountain grammy

(28,821 posts)
5. Excellent.. thank you for posting
Sun Feb 8, 2026, 03:35 PM
Sunday

This really shows the effects of an evil, fascist government on everyday people.

I think Minnesota was chosen because people will fight back, but don't think it's going the way the evildoers planned and it's actually hurting them... That said, they are ruining lives.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»A Small Town Under ICE Oc...