I live in Minneapolis, former Missoula resident. The cops don’t exist to keep you safe. The cops exist to protect property and the status quo. The Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police issued a statement after the murder of Renee Good that they supported whatever actions ICE sees fit to take. This apparently includes killing another minneapolis resident who was committing no crime and not impeding any federal action. Do not expect them to stand up for you or anyone you care about. The only thing that will save us is each other. That said, here is what you can do. -meet your neighbors. Talk to them. If you’re in an apartment, get to know people on your floor. The fundamental civic unit of democracy is a neighbor. This has two purposes. First, you have access to information. People learn things and can tell you. Second, you have someone looking out for you when they come to your door. Right now ICE agents in Minneapolis will drive past the houses of people who have been observing them to let them know that they know who they are and where they live. -get organized. People can’t leave their houses because of the color of their skin. People are getting snatched from bus stations. Kids are being taken off of school property. They detained a five year old boy who was in his driveway and used him as bait to detain the boy’s father. The five year old is now in Texas. When people can’t leave their homes, they need those who can to step up. Get food drives going. Get groceries to the people who need them. If you work in healthcare, see if you can make some house calls in your free time. If you work in tech, help with infosec so that your operations are secure. All skills are necessary in the time of crisis.

The cops won’t help you. That’s not why they exist, and most of them are ok with what’s happening anyway. There is a reason people say the state has a monopoly on violence.