It’s not surprising when the guy who’s been yelling about the horrors of late-stage capitalism on Instagram for the last five years turns his ire towards ICE. But something different has been happening over the week or so, following the most recent shootings of civilians by federal agents — even accounts that stay laser focused on golfingchopping wood, and playing cats like bongos have started to speak out.
The tenor on social media and Reddit took an even sharper turn yesterday, following the killing of Alex Pretti by ICE. Even the moderator of normally politics-free r/catbongos (a subreddit “Where gentlemen, gentlewomen, and gentlethems of quality gather to watch cats being played like bongos”) spokeout in a post where they declared that “If you still support Trump/ICE even slightly, you’re not welcome in this sub.”
That quilters on Instagram or a Facebook account dedicated to New England gravestones have decided enough, is enough, is one thing. But, judging from the comments, it seems like the government has lost the support of r/military as well. The subreddit is filled with angry posters decrying that “this is exactly what tyranny looks like” and sharing memes mocking Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. One poster claiming to be an active member of the U.S. Army who has served for 21 years said“these guys are against all we stand for as Americans. Modern day brownshirts.”
All across Redditsubs are being inundated with anti-ICE posts. From r/Fauxmeto r/NFCNorthMemeWarand r/DungeonCrawlerCarl. There’s even been some limited signs of revolt among the members of r/conservative, some of whom have taken issue with Kristi Noem’s description of Alexi Pretti as a “domestic terrorist,” and suggested that she should “just be quiet for a while.” And arguments have broken out among community members over perceived hypocrisy around the Second Amendment.
Some big names have also joined the chorus, including Joe Santagato of The Basement Yard podcast, who posted that what was occurring on the streets of Minneapolis was “legit horrifying.” And when someone told him to “Stay out of politics,” and “get back to spitting water out of your mouth and de-jumbling words with your idiot friends.” He shot back“De-jumble this: ksuc ym slalb.”
Canadian wrestlers and social media influencers Chris and Patrick Vörös have spoken out previously about their anti-ICE viewsbut took the opportunity to remind people of the only two ICE agents they support. Educational YouTube channel Primer also took to X to say this is no longer about politics, but about the “fabric of society.”
Synthfluencers and music gear YouTubers have also spoken out, including Benn JordanRandall Taylor (Amulets), Bad Snacksand Jason Maysone of the hosts of Working Class Music. The United Musicians & Allied Workers has also called for the abolition of ICE. Many manufacturers have also thrown their support behind the people of Minneapolis, even if it turns off some of their potential customers, including Drool, Chase Blissand Hungry Robot.
Canadian musician bbno$ decided to break his silenceeven if it risked his visa and his current U.S. tour, to throw his support behind the abolish ICE movement. Even Thoren Bradley, the Axe Man himself, whose whole schtick is being a ripped rural dude who chops wood, has decided to call out the hypocrisy of the Christian conservatives to his 10.7 million followers.
The National Basketball Players Association also released a statementsaying that it “stand(s) in solidarity with the people of Minnesota protesting and risking their lives to demand justice.”
That creators like Hank Green are speaking out is no surprise. But when fitness influencers, duck-painting TikTokers, football subreddits, bourbon Instagrammersand even Second Amendment rights activists have finally broken their silence, it seems like the government has lost control of the narrative. No matter how hard they try to spin it.
Let us know in the comments what other creators and communities have begun to speakout.
Updates January 25th: Added additional information about Reddit communities, music gear manufacturers, and a statement from the NBPA.
How are artists and community groups resisting ICE actions?
Table of Contents
- 1. How are artists and community groups resisting ICE actions?
- 2. Creators and Communities Everywhere Take a Stand Against ICE
- 3. The Spark: Recent Incidents and Rising Concerns
- 4. How Creators are Responding: A Spectrum of Expression
- 5. Community-Led Initiatives: Grassroots Power in Action
- 6. The Role of Technology and Online Platforms
- 7. Legal Challenges and Advocacy Efforts
- 8. The Impact and Future of the Movement
Creators and Communities Everywhere Take a Stand Against ICE
The increasing scrutiny of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) isn’t limited to political discourse; it’s fueling a powerful wave of resistance from artists, activists, and online communities.This movement leverages creative expression and collective action to challenge ICE’s policies and advocate for immigration justice.From digital artists to grassroots organizations, the response is multifaceted and growing.
The Spark: Recent Incidents and Rising Concerns
Public outrage often flares in response to specific incidents. Recent events,like the shooting in Minneapolis in January 2026 – where ICE personnel fatally shot a woman claiming self-defence after a vehicle collision – have reignited protests and amplified calls for accountability. These incidents, coupled with ongoing concerns about family separations at the border, detention center conditions, and aggressive deportation tactics, are driving the creative resistance. The narrative surrounding these events, often differing between official statements and eyewitness accounts, fuels distrust and motivates action.
How Creators are Responding: A Spectrum of Expression
The creative response to ICE’s actions is diverse. Here’s a breakdown of key approaches:
* Visual arts & Design: Artists are creating powerful murals, posters, and digital artwork depicting the human cost of immigration policies. these pieces often circulate widely on social media, raising awareness and sparking conversations. Many artists are donating proceeds from sales to immigration advocacy groups.
* Music & Performance: Musicians and performance artists are using their platforms to share stories of immigrants and refugees, challenge anti-immigrant rhetoric, and raise funds for legal defense funds.Benefit concerts and theatrical productions are becoming increasingly common.
* Digital Activism & Social Media Campaigns: Online communities are organizing boycotts, launching petition drives, and using hashtags to amplify marginalized voices. Social media platforms are crucial for disseminating details, coordinating protests, and countering misinformation.
* Documentary Filmmaking & Journalism: Self-reliant filmmakers and journalists are producing in-depth investigations into ICE’s practices, exposing abuses and highlighting the impact on affected communities. These projects often provide crucial evidence for legal challenges and advocacy efforts.
* literature & Storytelling: Writers are crafting novels, poems, and personal essays that humanize the immigrant experience and challenge dominant narratives. these stories offer empathy and understanding, fostering a more nuanced public discourse.
Community-Led Initiatives: Grassroots Power in Action
Beyond individual creators, organized communities are playing a vital role:
* Rapid Response Networks: These networks mobilize quickly to provide legal support, financial assistance, and emotional support to individuals and families targeted by ICE.
* Sanctuary Movements: Cities,churches,and universities are declaring themselves “sanctuaries,” limiting cooperation with ICE and providing safe havens for undocumented immigrants.
* Know Your Rights Workshops: Community organizations are hosting workshops to educate immigrants about their legal rights and how to protect themselves from deportation.
* Detention Center Monitoring: Volunteers are monitoring conditions in ICE detention centers, documenting abuses, and advocating for improved treatment of detainees.
* Mutual Aid Funds: Communities are establishing funds to provide direct financial assistance to immigrants facing hardship, such as legal fees, rent, or medical expenses.
The Role of Technology and Online Platforms
Technology is a double-edged sword in this context. While ICE utilizes surveillance technologies and data mining to track and deport individuals,activists are leveraging technology to organize,communicate,and resist.
* Secure Communication Tools: Encrypted messaging apps and secure online platforms are essential for protecting activists and vulnerable individuals from surveillance.
* crowdfunding Platforms: Platforms like GoFundMe are used to raise funds for legal defense, medical expenses, and other urgent needs.
* Social Media for Awareness: Platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok are used to share information, mobilize supporters, and counter misinformation.
* Mapping Projects: Activists are creating online maps to track ICE raids, detention centers, and other points of interest, providing valuable information to communities.
Legal Challenges and Advocacy Efforts
Creative expression and community organizing are frequently enough intertwined with legal challenges and advocacy efforts. Organizations like the ACLU, Immigrant Defense Project, and National Immigration Law center are filing lawsuits, lobbying for policy changes, and providing legal representation to immigrants facing deportation. The information gathered thru creative projects and community monitoring often serves as evidence in these legal battles.
The Impact and Future of the Movement
The growing resistance to ICE is having a tangible impact. Increased public awareness, heightened scrutiny of ICE’s practices, and growing political pressure are forcing a conversation about immigration reform. While the challenges remain critically important, the movement demonstrates the power of collective action and the vital role
