In recent times, protests against anti-Trump policies and oligarchic oppression in the U.S. have elicited feelings of disappointment. The sight of protesters donning pink pussy hats and taking part in “No Kings” demonstrations seems inadequate in the current sociopolitical climate.
The following segments present evidence that egregious actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are prompting activists and ordinary citizens to awaken their dormant organizing abilities. While it’s uncertain whether this grassroots pushback will yield long-term results, it’s essential to begin somewhere.
Included below is a video referenced earlier in the post. Though it may appear modest, the clip went viral. It highlights not just a woman courageously standing her ground but also the excessive force employed during an ICE raid.
Effective action, if it materializes, is likely to come not from “progressives” but rather from leftists demanding concrete concessions to enhance their safety and living conditions. Richard Kline, in an insightful article titled Progressive Losing, posits that progressives are often ineffective on their own, focused more on moral righteousness and winning debates than on achieving tangible outcomes. Significant progress often occurs only when they ally with “radicals,” such as immigrants or marginalized communities, who have explicit demands. Key excerpts from Kline’s work highlight the following:
Progressive dissent traditionally leans towards a moralistic approach rather than seeking power. The objective typically revolves around “truth” rather than actual influence; those in the right seek to uphold what is just, while those in error are invited to repent. This is reflected in a range of policies that many self-identified progressives continue to support:
• Anti-colonialism
• Anti-militarism
• Abolition
• Universal, secular education
• End to child labor
• Universal suffrage
• Female legal equality
• Consumer protections
• Civil rightsDespite the presence of notable progressives in various governmental positions, identifying one is a challenge…
These policies often center on values, while economic considerations are strikingly absent.
In contrast, radical activism is fundamentally driven by economic issues and social justice, championed by those who either come from impoverished backgrounds or belong to marginalized groups. Their movements focus on demands often rooted in pragmatism, which have led to reforms pursued in the face of forceful resistance.
For radicals, key demands include:
• Call off the police (and thugs)
• Eight-hour workday and workplace safety
• Right to organizing
• Anti-discrimination in housing and employment
• Unemployment benefits
• Public pensions
• Public educational scholarships
• Taxing the wealthy
• Anti-trust measures
• Anti-imperialismAlthough few radicals hold high office, their substantial presence in local politics supports their grassroots campaigns effectively. Indeed, they often operate within organized frameworks—societies, unions, or political parties—that amplify their voices.
Crucially, these movements stem from grievance and a desire to end exploitation, especially economic exploitation, as many involved are directly affected by these circumstances.
Sonali Kolhatkar, an accomplished journalist, illustrates the sacrifices involved in genuine protest. Daniel Ellsberg’s decision to release the Pentagon Papers stemmed from knowing activists who endured imprisonment. He felt he couldn’t justify staying silent, considering his own willingness to face similar risks.
By Sonali Kolhatkar, an award-winning multimedia journalist. She is the founder, host, and executive producer of “Rising Up With Sonali,” a weekly subscriber-funded television and radio show. Her works include Talking About Abolition: A Police-Free World Is Possible (Seven Stories Press, 2025) and Rising Up: The Power of Narrative in Pursuing Racial Justice (City Lights Books, 2023). She serves multiple roles in nonprofit organizations advocating for immigrant rights.
Recently, a woman in New York City gained significant attention for her bold defiance against ICE agents during a raid in lower Manhattan. Dressed in a navy blue polka-dot dress, she stood her ground amidst a military tank, defiantly gesturing toward agents. Her display of courage exemplifies the urgent resistance our nation needs in the face of rising authoritarianism.
Across cities like New York, Washington, D.C., Portland, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Seattle, individuals are courageously challenging the oppressive actions of federal forces and standing firm for democracy and diversity. One notable figure is Leonardo Martinez, a lead organizer with VC Defensa, an immigrant defense network in Ventura County, California, who encountered violence from ICE during community patrols.
Martinez, despite being a U.S. citizen, faced an unexpected ramming from an ICE SUV while performing routine volunteer work aimed at safeguarding his community from federal agents. His quick thinking likely kept him unharmed as he maneuvered towards busier areas, where support was more likely available. Following the incident, he pursued medical help and shared video evidence that has garnered widespread attention and praise for his organization.
Efforts to counter ICE’s aggressive tactics are being witnessed nationwide. Chicago, for example, has experienced organized resistance similar to that of VC Defensa, with groups like Patrulla Popular documenting ICE raids and alerting community members to potential dangers.
In Portland, activists have creatively protested outside local ICE centers wearing inflatable animal costumes. Such tactics not only draw media attention but also highlight the absurdity of the situation, forcing authorities to address their protests.
As preparations intensify in San Francisco for a possible military intervention instigated by a tech billionaire’s influence, local organizers strategize with resilience. Ultimately, calls for federal forces were curtailed after discussions between President Trump and affluent supporters.
The mounting organized resistance against anti-immigrant policies showcases the rich cultural contributions of immigrant communities who have become integral to American society. This fight is embodied in individuals like the polka-dot dress woman, alongside countless mothers and activists leading the charge.
Individuals like Kim, a tech worker from Los Angeles, attend protests wearing attire that expresses solidarity with immigrant communities, emphasizing the interconnectedness of American history and the imperative to stand against oppression.
The targeted actions by ICE primarily affect innocent individuals, undermining any claims of targeting criminals. The majority of those detained often lack criminal records, underscoring the urgency of community response as many honors their rights amid the president’s agenda.
Although complacency might be tempting, many are stepping up, risking their wellbeing in the face of ICE actions and broader authoritarianism. Mass mobilization serves as a crucial countermeasure against advancing fascism, evident in coordinated protests like the recent “No Kings” demonstrations, which mobilized millions in a show of unity. Protest actions are reaching new heights, comparable to past movements for racial justice.
The true heroes of this movement consist of ordinary individuals committing acts of bravery, echoing the sentiment of change. May the legacy of the polka-dot dress woman serve as a catalyst for others, as her audacity becomes a beacon of necessary resistance.
