Colorado Representative Calls for Disruption of ICE Activities
On Sunday, Colorado Democratic Representative Yara Zokaie shared a video on social media urging support for actions intended to obstruct the work of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The call for action came after unrest broke out in Minneapolis on Saturday, triggered by a Border Patrol agent shooting and killing a man during an attempt by ICE to arrest an undocumented immigrant under directions from the Department of Homeland Security, which was described as a “targeted” operation. Zokaie referred to the deceased, 37-year-old Alex Pretti, as “murdered” in the context of the incident.
In her Instagram post, she suggested there would be consequences for ICE personnel, including possible disqualification from state agency positions, while also encouraging support for a so-called “rapid response” network. She emphasized the importance of knowing one’s rights, stating that ICE agents cannot enter homes without a judicial warrant, and provided a number to report observed ICE activities.
This “rapid response” network in Minnesota monitors vehicles associated with ICE, disseminates their locations, and mobilizes support to confront the agents, often resulting in confrontations and physical clashes. Independent journalist Cam Higbie obtained and shared a manual related to this network, which contained guidelines on addressing perceived threats from “armed men” or situations that might involve kidnapping.
The fatal shootings of Pretti and another individual, Renee Nicole Good, reportedly occurred during a standoff involving ICE’s operations aimed at capturing undocumented immigrants with criminal histories. Zokaie mentioned her intention to introduce a bill targeting ICE officers in the Colorado Legislature.
“Abolishing ICE is necessary. We can’t allow law enforcement to be infiltrated by fascist elements. Reform isn’t sufficient; we must take decisive action,” Zokaie stated.
A report from January indicated a staggering 1,300% increase in attacks against ICE agents since the Trump administration initiated a stricter immigration policy. It also noted a 3,200% rise in vehicular assaults and an 8,000% increase in death threats against personnel.
This report comes in the context of a broader conversation about welfare fraud in Minnesota, particularly involving certain communities, which prompted former President Trump to expedite federal funding to the state. The fraud became widely discussed after a video investigation was released by journalist Nick Shirley, focusing on a questionable daycare operation run by members of a specific group.
Meanwhile, California Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell, who aims to succeed term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom, has pledged to implement similar punitive measures as those proposed by Zokaie against ICE employees, including denying them driver’s licenses and making past employment with ICE a disqualification for state jobs.
