Liberals recently convened online to talk about how they’re prepping young kids for what they believe could be immigration enforcement actions. They shared that, in many instances, they feel somewhat insulated from law enforcement due to their race but still feel compelled to have conversations about safety planning with their children.
One participant mentioned, “I’m currently practicing with my three-and-a-half-year-old what to do and where to hide if someone comes to the door.” This unusual discussion was highlighted on a Reddit page linked to the Twin Cities area, which includes Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. An independent journalist, Andy Ngo, also pointed out a specific thread that stirred a fair amount of skepticism among readers.
Another parent echoed this sentiment, stating, “I’m going over with my child what steps to take if a stranger knocks.” This speaker, who described himself as a white, blonde, blue-eyed American citizen, acknowledged that his background affords him some privilege, yet felt the urgency of the conversation.
This prompted other users to share similar concerns. A reader noted that, despite being a “U.S. Air Force veteran and a white male,” he believed his privileged status didn’t exempt him from the fear prevalent in his neighborhood, as he elaborated on the intrusive practices of ICE, which he claimed violate constitutional rights.
A self-identified “white woman” added her perspective, mentioning that her marriage to a Hispanic American makes her particularly aware of the risks surrounding these discussions. She expressed sadness over having to initiate such serious conversations about possible raids with a young child.
Another contributor named Steve, who characterized his family as “pale Midwestern whites,” indicated he needed to explain the surrounding fear to his six-year-old son. When he broached the topic, his child asked, “But I have a lot of friends with different skin colors in my class. Is that okay? Can I help you?”
However, not everyone agreed with Steve’s sense of danger. A Reddit user pointed out that if his family didn’t live with non-citizens, this concern might be misplaced. “You have more power than you realize right now, and if you use it wisely, it could be quite empowering,” the user remarked.
The conversation included other related discussions on the Reddit thread, such as one user who made a historical comparison between current immigration enforcement and actions taken during the Holocaust. This sparked debates about whether contemporary conservatives are adequately informed about the implications of such histories.
