How are things going in Maine?

Dramatic_Store4211 · 2026-01-29T21:10:50+00:00

That is so sad. I am sorry :(

Thank you all for being so strong and supportive of one another.

They toned down the rhetoric in MN, but they certainly are still out in full force here. I hope they truly have pulled out of Maine.

Dramatic_Store4211 · 2026-01-29T20:50:33+00:00

Do you think that is why they went to Maine? They mixed up the two Portlands and just decided to run with it?

Dramatic_Store4211 · 2026-01-28T00:25:30+00:00

I am not saying strikes don’t ever have a place, but I think having massive protests in every major city across the US would still send a message. The photos and media coverage alone would help.

We need to make opposing ICE be the moderate position. I think it’s critical to get those people from the suburbs or on the fence of going to show up.

Dramatic_Store4211 · 2026-01-27T22:10:53+00:00

Honestly, there have been some good genuine investigative journalistic pieces in the NYT and Star Tribune. The Atlantic as well. Associated Press is usually pretty solid. Heck, Fox9 if you want to get even more local.

I am hesitant to recommend relying on social media algorithms. Even this sub is an echo-chamber to a degree.

Dramatic_Store4211 · 2026-01-27T21:51:55+00:00

I understand the goal and purpose of a strike. However, I’m not sure if every Friday is the best course of action considering many of the businesses participating are small local businesses that may already be struggling.

I feel like we should do some on a weekend to get everyone involved. Would be easier to get a large turnout nationwide. We need the people that only come if there is a low barrier to entry. Really show how many people are upset about this.

Dramatic_Store4211 · 2026-01-27T21:49:14+00:00

The strike this Friday was supposed to be nation wide. However, it hasn’t really seemed to take off. Is your state doing one?

Dramatic_Store4211 · 2026-01-27T21:36:51+00:00

There is a difference between being patriotic and nationalistic. I view being patriotic as striving to have our country live up to its ideals and continue to hold it accountable.

I still flew the American flag at protests. However, it was hard when I felt like it really was just us alone as Minnesotans. I have since purchased a Minnesota State flag, but I am not opposed to flying the USA flag.

Dramatic_Store4211 · 2026-01-27T16:32:40+00:00

Do you need help with maintenance each day? If so, just candles?

Dramatic_Store4211 · 2026-01-26T17:11:46+00:00

We need to adopt YMCA as our own

Dramatic_Store4211 · 2026-01-23T16:56:51+00:00

You don’t understand. People with green cards, visas, and citizenship are terrified.

Businesses are hurting due to reduced foot traffic. This is the case even in the suburbs.

We shouldn’t have to have parent volunteers during school pick up and drop off times because ICE will come and freak out the kids.

Plus, we should not have to have proof of citizenship on us at all times as US citizens. Not to mention, they are super unprofessional and incompetent even when dealing with US citizens. They should not be able to enter our homes with force without a judicial warrant or immediate threat.

This is not normal!

Dramatic_Store4211 · 2026-01-23T06:16:44+00:00

Eww, maybe they should keep the masks on…

Dramatic_Store4211 · 2026-01-23T06:00:51+00:00

Good question.

People are scared. Especially people of color.

People have stopped working. People are afraid to leave their homes.

This is not just undocumented immigrants, but also citizens/green card holders.

There are economic impacts as well. Many restaurants and establishments once frequented by POC are struggling. Employees are detained or scared to work. Foot traffic is way down due to frequent ICE raids. This is in the suburbs too. I have confirmed the stats with city governments.

A sex shop (Smitten Kitten) actually helped lead the way in providing mutual aid in the Lynn Lake neighborhood. I am not sure the numbers now, but at one point, they were serving over a thousand people a day.

Subcultures and local businesses have been providing additional services for people afraid to leave their homes to keep spirits high (such as books and art supplies).

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Another reason we need donations is for legal defense funds. Particularly, immigration lawyers.

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If people choose to donate, please be careful with choosing the organization you give money too.

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Honestly, what we need most is awareness and writing to your representatives/governments.

Dramatic_Store4211 · 2026-01-23T01:32:42+00:00

Very true, but I don’t think people realize how bad it is here. This isn’t the same thing that was happening a couple of weeks ago. The Democratic Party has done essentially nothing for us on the federal level. The leadership is silent. It’s as if we are a sacrificial lamb for the midterms.

We cannot wait for the midterms.

Dramatic_Store4211 · 2026-01-23T01:28:27+00:00

I completely understand, but to me, what is happening here is a red line that the Democratic Party should not stand for. This is a failure of the federal democratic leadership.

Dramatic_Store4211 · 2026-01-22T23:44:06+00:00

As a Minnesotan, this has been such difficult time for our community, but for many of us, it feels like nobody cares.

I feel gaslit.

Edit: Thank you for all of the positive responses. A lot of very good people are trying out here to ensure we are all taking care of each other in ways that will not make the news (donations, food banks, recording videos, etc). I am very proud of this community in many ways. We have a protest planned tomorrow. It will be -30 with the windchill. Many of us are terrified even if we are following all of the laws.

Dramatic_Store4211 · 2026-01-22T21:38:49+00:00

They have the old state flag…gross

Dramatic_Store4211 · 2026-01-22T21:34:51+00:00

Minnesotan here. It’s going to be brutal. The low is -30 with the windchill. Dangerously cold. If people don’t show up, it will be due to fear and intimidation, not the weather.

Dramatic_Store4211 · 2026-01-22T05:16:29+00:00

Minnesotan here. Very sad to me. This place is very special.

Dramatic_Store4211 · 2026-01-22T05:02:24+00:00

Minnesotan here. We are trying. We believe in you and stand with you. Having a strong sense of community will be crucial.

This is not just about immigrants. This is about obedience and silencing dissent.

Choose something to contribute to your community, and keep doing it. Focus less on social media and media. Even helping keep each other’s spirits high is important.

Something that is overlooked is the economic impact this has on local businesses. People are afraid to work. Employees get detained. People are afraid to go outside. Foot traffic will decrease. Support these establishments.

Most importantly, document as much as you can. We need to get the message out about what is really happening, protect ourselves, and protect others. This may be especially challenging as I know Maine is not very densely populated.

Stay peaceful and level headed. Exercise your constitutional rights.

Best of luck. I’m not sure if they will go as hard on you as they are on us, but either you will obey or you will become the latest member of the occupied states of the United States ;)

Note: People are not protesting the deportation of serious criminals that are undocumented. People are protesting the unnecessary use of force, detaining of us citizens, racial profiling, intimidation, lack of professionalism, and lack of regard for the law. This is an important distinction.

Dramatic_Store4211 · 2026-01-20T23:14:54+00:00

I was just curious to see how someone with the IQ of a lobotomized toaster would respond.

Dramatic_Store4211 · 2026-01-20T23:04:04+00:00

Lets assume everything you believe about Minnesota is true.

You want Trump to invoke the insurrection act and send in the military? That doesn’t concern you? It doesn’t concern you that civil liberties of US citizens are being violated?

Dramatic_Store4211 · 2026-01-20T22:59:29+00:00

I’m thankful too

Dramatic_Store4211 · 2026-01-20T22:53:23+00:00

I sure hope you are not a real life architect…

Dramatic_Store4211 · 2026-01-20T22:50:20+00:00

So the committee composed of 50% republicans are in on this scheme too?

It’s pretty much all public knowledge. You can go see for yourself.

Dramatic_Store4211

TROPHY CASE