Heather Silsbee
@hsilsbee.bsky.social
Editor, communicator, abolitionist, Southwest Minneapolis resident trying to make it less of a problem. Queer/bi, chronically ill, she/her
Pinned
Resharing this evergreen op-ed I wrote in 2023 after many Minneapolis City Council members called for stricter controls of protest in the state after one protest action made them uncomfortable. It was right after the death of disability rights icon Judy Huemann.
www.startribune.com/discomfortin...
www.startribune.com/discomfortin...
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
Bovino Fact Check
Bovino: "Mayor Frey actually told his police force to fight federal agents in the city."
Never happened.
Bovino: "You should have seen the look on O'Brian's face - Chief O'Brian - his eyebrows actually raised at that one."
Chief's name is O'Hara - Brian O'Hara.
Bovino: "Mayor Frey actually told his police force to fight federal agents in the city."
Never happened.
Bovino: "You should have seen the look on O'Brian's face - Chief O'Brian - his eyebrows actually raised at that one."
Chief's name is O'Hara - Brian O'Hara.
January 20, 2026 at 9:13 PM
Bovino Fact Check
Bovino: "Mayor Frey actually told his police force to fight federal agents in the city."
Never happened.
Bovino: "You should have seen the look on O'Brian's face - Chief O'Brian - his eyebrows actually raised at that one."
Chief's name is O'Hara - Brian O'Hara.
Bovino: "Mayor Frey actually told his police force to fight federal agents in the city."
Never happened.
Bovino: "You should have seen the look on O'Brian's face - Chief O'Brian - his eyebrows actually raised at that one."
Chief's name is O'Hara - Brian O'Hara.
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
The best they could come up with: "[A]gents told hospital staff that Castaneda Mondragon was 'laying down in handcuffs when he attempted to flee, and then, for unknown reasons, purposefully ran headfirst into a brick wall.'”
Minn. man hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after ICE arrest
Alberto Castaneda Mondragon, who is in ICE custody while hospitalized at Hennepin County Medical Center, alleges in a lawsuit that federal agents are interfering in his medical care and that he was so...
sahanjournal.com
January 20, 2026 at 8:17 PM
The best they could come up with: "[A]gents told hospital staff that Castaneda Mondragon was 'laying down in handcuffs when he attempted to flee, and then, for unknown reasons, purposefully ran headfirst into a brick wall.'”
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
Elliot Payne for governor. That's it, that's the skeet!
January 20, 2026 at 8:59 PM
Elliot Payne for governor. That's it, that's the skeet!
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
Thousands of federal officers were sent to Minneapolis as part of an immigration enforcement operation, prompting pushback from local officials and residents.
Border Patrol, ICE officials hold press conference to provide update on Minnesota immigration operation
Thousands of federal officers were sent to Minneapolis as part of an immigration enforcement operation, prompting pushback from local officials and residents.
www.kare11.com
January 20, 2026 at 8:46 PM
Thousands of federal officers were sent to Minneapolis as part of an immigration enforcement operation, prompting pushback from local officials and residents.
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
That’s a lot of places on strike.
Very telling that the resistance is overwhelmingly being put up by the service industry. Where are the white collar workers?
Very telling that the resistance is overwhelmingly being put up by the service industry. Where are the white collar workers?
January 20, 2026 at 8:39 PM
That’s a lot of places on strike.
Very telling that the resistance is overwhelmingly being put up by the service industry. Where are the white collar workers?
Very telling that the resistance is overwhelmingly being put up by the service industry. Where are the white collar workers?
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
I think about this a lot: the fact that it's "inconceivable" is a HUGE part of the problem. Hey folks: conceive of it. That's the necessary first step. This fascism is in fact happening, and the whole "I can't imagine" part is stopping a lot of progress in overcoming it.
"The Court finds it inconceivable that the Department of Justice, which holds a duty to faithfully execute the
laws of the United States—even those with which it may have disagreement—would repeatedly ignore court orders, while simultaneously prosecuting citizens for breaking the law."
laws of the United States—even those with which it may have disagreement—would repeatedly ignore court orders, while simultaneously prosecuting citizens for breaking the law."
![Rather stunningly, Ms. Halligan fails to even mention Chief Judge Diaz’s Order, let alone
discuss its impact here. In short, Ms. Halligan has not only ignored Judge Currie’s rulings, she
has also turned a blind eye to an Order from the Chief Judge of the Fourth Circuit. The Court
finds it inconceivable that the Department of Justice, which holds a duty to faithfully execute the
laws of the United States even those with which it may have disagreement would
repeatedly ignore court orders, while simultaneously prosecuting citizens for breaking the law.
In the wise words of Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson III of the Court of Appeals for the Fourth
Circuit, “[w]e yet cling to the hope that it is not naive to believe our good brethren in the
Executive Branch perceive the rule of law as vital to the American ethos.” Abrego Garcia v.
Noem,'^o. 25-1404, 2025 WL 1135112, at *3 (4th Cir. Apr. 17, 2025).](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:6h7b2i6ttw3l4t7pvbvxdith/bafkreifosp5rvubdinbaeqyixrxrmlsrldbblecdd7xyvq7wbyzypplobi@jpeg)
January 20, 2026 at 7:14 PM
I think about this a lot: the fact that it's "inconceivable" is a HUGE part of the problem. Hey folks: conceive of it. That's the necessary first step. This fascism is in fact happening, and the whole "I can't imagine" part is stopping a lot of progress in overcoming it.
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
Incredible quote here from a Somali small business owner in Minneapolis who voted for Trump. minnesotareformer.com/2026/01/19/a...
January 20, 2026 at 8:46 PM
Incredible quote here from a Somali small business owner in Minneapolis who voted for Trump. minnesotareformer.com/2026/01/19/a...
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
Multiple labor unions are endorsing a “Day of Truth and Freedom” on Friday in Minnesota saying they want ICE out of the state. They are calling for Minnesotans not to work, go to school or shop to protest the ICE presence in the state.
The latest on ICE in Minnesota: Labor unions call for day of no work, school or shopping as protest
Here’s the latest news on Tuesday around the increased federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota.
www.mprnews.org
January 20, 2026 at 3:39 PM
Multiple labor unions are endorsing a “Day of Truth and Freedom” on Friday in Minnesota saying they want ICE out of the state. They are calling for Minnesotans not to work, go to school or shop to protest the ICE presence in the state.
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
Twin Cities Community aid opportunity! Youth Creative Arts Community Aid is looking for art supply/monetary donations to put together art kits for kids.
**THEY ARE ALSO LOOKING FOR A SECOND DROP-OFF LOCATION** If you have a business or space that might work for this, DM me!
**THEY ARE ALSO LOOKING FOR A SECOND DROP-OFF LOCATION** If you have a business or space that might work for this, DM me!
January 20, 2026 at 6:23 PM
Twin Cities Community aid opportunity! Youth Creative Arts Community Aid is looking for art supply/monetary donations to put together art kits for kids.
**THEY ARE ALSO LOOKING FOR A SECOND DROP-OFF LOCATION** If you have a business or space that might work for this, DM me!
**THEY ARE ALSO LOOKING FOR A SECOND DROP-OFF LOCATION** If you have a business or space that might work for this, DM me!
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
🔹 Utility workers sometimes have to do work at your home or business. Ask for identification and/or call your utility to confirm the individual's identity.
January 17, 2026 at 7:08 PM
🔹 Utility workers sometimes have to do work at your home or business. Ask for identification and/or call your utility to confirm the individual's identity.
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
In response to the ongoing presence of federal agents in Minnesota, we have put together two resources for community members:
🔹Everyone has the right to an affordable payment plan if you fall behind on your utility bills. Three steps to take to keep the heat and lights on.
🔹Everyone has the right to an affordable payment plan if you fall behind on your utility bills. Three steps to take to keep the heat and lights on.
January 17, 2026 at 7:08 PM
In response to the ongoing presence of federal agents in Minnesota, we have put together two resources for community members:
🔹Everyone has the right to an affordable payment plan if you fall behind on your utility bills. Three steps to take to keep the heat and lights on.
🔹Everyone has the right to an affordable payment plan if you fall behind on your utility bills. Three steps to take to keep the heat and lights on.
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
This is a trusted local org in MN with some good guidance for folks interacting with their utilities 👇
In response to the ongoing presence of federal agents in Minnesota, we have put together two resources for community members:
🔹Everyone has the right to an affordable payment plan if you fall behind on your utility bills. Three steps to take to keep the heat and lights on.
🔹Everyone has the right to an affordable payment plan if you fall behind on your utility bills. Three steps to take to keep the heat and lights on.
January 20, 2026 at 4:25 PM
This is a trusted local org in MN with some good guidance for folks interacting with their utilities 👇
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
You can type in your address to find your precinct caucus here: caucusfinder.sos.mn.gov (2/5)
Voting Information
caucusfinder.sos.mn.gov
January 20, 2026 at 2:27 PM
You can type in your address to find your precinct caucus here: caucusfinder.sos.mn.gov (2/5)
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
If you cannot attend your precinct caucus in-person, a non-attendee form is available here: dfl.org/wp-content/u...
The form can be emailed to your local DFL chair by January 31, or you can have the form delivered on caucus night itself (likely by a neighbor or campaign). (3/5)
The form can be emailed to your local DFL chair by January 31, or you can have the form delivered on caucus night itself (likely by a neighbor or campaign). (3/5)
dfl.org
January 20, 2026 at 2:27 PM
If you cannot attend your precinct caucus in-person, a non-attendee form is available here: dfl.org/wp-content/u...
The form can be emailed to your local DFL chair by January 31, or you can have the form delivered on caucus night itself (likely by a neighbor or campaign). (3/5)
The form can be emailed to your local DFL chair by January 31, or you can have the form delivered on caucus night itself (likely by a neighbor or campaign). (3/5)
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
Precinct caucuses are coming up in two weeks. This is the first step in electing delegates to conventions, where candidates are endorsed. More information on the DFL precinct caucuses is available here. (1/5)
dfl.org/caucus/
dfl.org/caucus/
Precinct Caucuses | Minnesota DFL
A precinct caucus is a gathering of neighbors who come together to discuss issues, set priorities for our party, and organize our local DFL unit. In a moment of intensified federal overreach and viole...
dfl.org
January 20, 2026 at 2:27 PM
Precinct caucuses are coming up in two weeks. This is the first step in electing delegates to conventions, where candidates are endorsed. More information on the DFL precinct caucuses is available here. (1/5)
dfl.org/caucus/
dfl.org/caucus/
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
hennepin county sheriff’s office ramped up their work helping ICE even as dawanna witt announces her campaign kickoff. reports from whipple say they are acting as crowd control
they’ve created a barrier and ICE are barely guarding the gates now because HCSO are doing it for them. this frees up ICE
they’ve created a barrier and ICE are barely guarding the gates now because HCSO are doing it for them. this frees up ICE
remember that the sheriff is an elected position, and dawanna witt is up for reelection in november. let’s see if the way hennepin county sheriffs have been assisting ICE spurs a challenger
January 20, 2026 at 6:13 PM
hennepin county sheriff’s office ramped up their work helping ICE even as dawanna witt announces her campaign kickoff. reports from whipple say they are acting as crowd control
they’ve created a barrier and ICE are barely guarding the gates now because HCSO are doing it for them. this frees up ICE
they’ve created a barrier and ICE are barely guarding the gates now because HCSO are doing it for them. this frees up ICE
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
In our community conversations locally in Saint Paul, two things have bubbled up worth reminding folks:
Prepare for a marathon, not a sprint. We need to make sure we are avoiding burn out for the sustained response we need.
Any contribution to the cause is valuable. Pick a lane and commit.
Prepare for a marathon, not a sprint. We need to make sure we are avoiding burn out for the sustained response we need.
Any contribution to the cause is valuable. Pick a lane and commit.
January 20, 2026 at 6:15 PM
In our community conversations locally in Saint Paul, two things have bubbled up worth reminding folks:
Prepare for a marathon, not a sprint. We need to make sure we are avoiding burn out for the sustained response we need.
Any contribution to the cause is valuable. Pick a lane and commit.
Prepare for a marathon, not a sprint. We need to make sure we are avoiding burn out for the sustained response we need.
Any contribution to the cause is valuable. Pick a lane and commit.
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
Breaking: churches shut down for Jan. 23
January 20, 2026 at 4:58 AM
Breaking: churches shut down for Jan. 23
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
We will be closed on Friday the 23rd in solidarity with our community. We call on Congress to stop the illegal occupation of Minnesota NOW. #AbolishICE
January 20, 2026 at 3:02 PM
We will be closed on Friday the 23rd in solidarity with our community. We call on Congress to stop the illegal occupation of Minnesota NOW. #AbolishICE
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
More from Lake Street last night where i'm told a couple ICE agents or ICE contractors were eating at an Indian grill when recognized and called for backup feeling uncomfortable. BORTAC, the Border Patrol high risk tactical unit showed up - walking around holding up canisters of tear gas in the air.
January 20, 2026 at 4:55 PM
More from Lake Street last night where i'm told a couple ICE agents or ICE contractors were eating at an Indian grill when recognized and called for backup feeling uncomfortable. BORTAC, the Border Patrol high risk tactical unit showed up - walking around holding up canisters of tear gas in the air.
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
Philando Castile would like a word.
Brooklyn Park police chief Mark Bruley: "We're hearing people being stopped with no cause & being demanded to show paperwork to determine if they're here legally. We started hearing from our police officers the same complaints. Every one of these individuals is a person of color... it has to stop"
January 20, 2026 at 5:48 PM
Philando Castile would like a word.
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
Mamdani: "I am in support of abolishing ICE. What we see is an entity that has no interest in fulfilling its stated reason to exist. We're seeing a government agency that is supposed to be enforcing some kind of immigration law, but instead what it's doing is terrorizing people."
January 20, 2026 at 4:56 PM
Mamdani: "I am in support of abolishing ICE. What we see is an entity that has no interest in fulfilling its stated reason to exist. We're seeing a government agency that is supposed to be enforcing some kind of immigration law, but instead what it's doing is terrorizing people."
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
So if you haven't called Walz' office about a rent moratorium, maybe today? (651) 201-3400
i don't want to like stoke panic but i do not know what we as minneapolis are going to do when rent is due at the end of the month. so many people aren't going to work! they do not have savings!! i can buy another family's groceries, kind of, but i can't pay my whole block's rent
January 20, 2026 at 5:44 PM
So if you haven't called Walz' office about a rent moratorium, maybe today? (651) 201-3400
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
Federal immigration agents waited three minutes to call 911 after one of their officers shot Renee Macklin Good in Minneapolis. After a brief medical assessment, they left her bleeding in her car. Agents didn’t give her CPR and turned away the help of a man who said he was a doctor.
ICE agents are trained in CPR. They didn’t use it on Renee Macklin Good
Federal immigration agents waited three minutes to call 911 after one of their officers shot Renee Macklin Good in Minneapolis. After a brief medical assessment, they left her bleeding in her car. Age...
www.apmreports.org
January 20, 2026 at 5:49 PM
Federal immigration agents waited three minutes to call 911 after one of their officers shot Renee Macklin Good in Minneapolis. After a brief medical assessment, they left her bleeding in her car. Agents didn’t give her CPR and turned away the help of a man who said he was a doctor.
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
Confirmed ICE deportation flight coming to MSP, Tue Jan 20, estimated arrival: 1:20PM.
Shackled deportees will board the plane at Signature Aviation's facility between Terminal 1 & 2. Observe from Terminal 1 parking ramp, gold 7 or red 8.
Track: adsb.lol?icao=a8b479
Shackled deportees will board the plane at Signature Aviation's facility between Terminal 1 & 2. Observe from Terminal 1 parking ramp, gold 7 or red 8.
Track: adsb.lol?icao=a8b479
January 20, 2026 at 5:53 PM
Confirmed ICE deportation flight coming to MSP, Tue Jan 20, estimated arrival: 1:20PM.
Shackled deportees will board the plane at Signature Aviation's facility between Terminal 1 & 2. Observe from Terminal 1 parking ramp, gold 7 or red 8.
Track: adsb.lol?icao=a8b479
Shackled deportees will board the plane at Signature Aviation's facility between Terminal 1 & 2. Observe from Terminal 1 parking ramp, gold 7 or red 8.
Track: adsb.lol?icao=a8b479