Stay Calm. Stay Engaged. Stay Human.

It's noon on Saturday, January 24, 2026 and I am crying as I'm writing this. My hands are shaking so hard it's hard for me to type. I'm not doing keyword bullshit I'm writing from my heart and soul.

Another American died in Minneapolis today; murdered by other Americans. This isn't hyperbole, it's not drama, it's not me getting worked up - The residents of Minneapolis Minnesota are being murdered by Federal Agents.

Now, I recognize that these agents think they're serving their country in this lawless organization. They don't make the rules and we all know they've been told to let it rip. I'm an American history buff and this smells of civil war - I'm 61 years old and I am mind blown that I just typed that.

But here we are.

Today's victim's name is Alex Pretti, a 37 year old United States citizen and Minneapolis ICU nurse with no criminal record other than some old traffic tickets.

Alex Pretti, Minneapolis ICU Nurse killed by ICE agents on January 24, 2026. Photo credit: Fox9 KMSP News Eden Prairie, MN

These are photographs I obtained of the moments leading up to many agents taking this one man down to the ground, and Homeland Security's account of what occurred up to the point that this man was shot doesn't match these photographs.

Alex Pretti filming ICE officer

ICE officer touches Pretti first

Pretti's hands are in full view

ICE officer continues to push Pretti back

What's Happening

I'm a truth teller so stay with me here.

Minneapolis

• The federal government has surged immigration enforcement into the Twin Cities (often described locally as a “surge” operation), with agents conducting arrests and related operations in and around Minneapolis.

• Protests escalated after Renée Good was shot and killed on January 7 by an ICE agent. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner has ruled her death a homicide  - a classification that means “killed by another person,” not automatically “criminal” without further legal findings.

• Today (Jan 24), federal officers shot another person in Minneapolis amid heightened tension; state leaders condemned the pattern of violence, while DHS says the person had a firearm and released an image of a weapon. The full circumstances are still developing and contested, although video shows an ICE officer firing at the victim after he was no longer moving. That person is confirmed to have died.

• Large coordinated protests and an “economic blackout” occurred Jan 23  involving tens of thousands of participants and broad civic institutions.

In my world, ICE is all over Ohio; a large presence in Columbus, they're in Lucas County, and up into Adrian, Michigan and around Lenawee County. I'm a strong supporter of secure borders and nobody should be here illegally. What is happening with ICE right now is NOT THE WAY TO ACHIEVE IT. AMERICANS KILLING OTHER AMERICANS IS A HARD NO.

America is very broken right now and it's up to each of us to fix it, regardless of political affiliation or lack of. This is not a political post - this is a list of safety measures - both physicially and emotionally - that I'm sharing with you.

Put in the context of Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills, because we need them right now, we must be present in this conflict and not catastrophize any more than what's happening in the present moment. We are seeing and hearing about violence and death in real time more than ever before and we must build up our tolerance for it. We have to stop fighting the reality that the polarization of American citizens is driven by a dangerous cult mentality and we have to be able to talk to each other - to speak your truth and listen to the truths of others.

I want to help you focus on what NOT to do to keep yourselves safe and what TO DO to speak out against anything that is unconstitutional.

What ICE Can Do Legally

Part of the challenge of this situation is that these untrained ICE agents are being told to go balls to the wall with protestors.

Enforce federal immigration law and make immigration arrests

• They can look for and arrest people they believe are unlawfully in the U.S. as part of civil immigration enforcement.

• Federal law also lets immigration officers question and even interrogate a person they believe is an alien about their right to be in the U.S. 

• They can also make certain warrantless arrests of noncitizens under conditions spelled out in the statute. For example, if they have reason to believe the person is unlawfully present and likely to escape before a warrant can be obtained.

What this means on the street:  Arrests in public places (sidewalks, parking lots, outside buildings) are much more likely to be lawful if  they have a valid legal basis for the stop/arrest.

Go to a home, knock, and ask to speak with someone and enter if invited

• Agents can legally approach a residence, knock, and ask questions.

• If the occupant consents, agents can legally enter.

Key point: “Knock and ask” is legal; forcing entry is where Fourth Amendment limits become the central issue, and is exactly what courts are litigating right now.

Use force only within constitutional and agency limits

Even when an arrest is lawful, force has strict rules.

• Constitutionally, courts judge force under the Fourth Amendment “objective reasonableness” standard (i.e., was the force reasonable given the circumstances).

• DHS policy states officers may use deadly force only when they reasonably believe there is an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury to the officer or others.

What this means: If agents reasonably perceive an imminent lethal threat, the policy framework allows deadly force; whether it was justified in a specific incident depends on facts still being investigated.

Control the immediate area of an enforcement action and arrest for real interference or assault

• Agents can set perimeters and give lawful orders to keep people from interfering with an arrest or operation.

• It is a federal crime to forcibly assault, resist, impede, or interfere with certain federal officers performing official duties.

What this means: If someone physically obstructs or attacks officers, arrests and prosecutions can be legally grounded—even if the broader operation is controversial.

Police protests for concrete crimes and not for speech

In general, officers can enforce laws against assault, property damage, obstruction, etc., and impose time/place/manner restrictions when applied neutrally. At the same time, courts scrutinize anything that looks like retaliation for lawful protest activity.

In Minneapolis, this line is actively being litigated: a Minnesota federal judge issued restrictions on certain protest-related tactics, and the 8th Circuit temporarily paused (stayed) that order while the appeal proceeds.

What this means: The legal boundaries around protest policing here are not hypothetical—they’re being argued in court right now, and the rules can shift as orders are stayed or reinstated.

What all of this boils down to is that ICE agents are totally untrained (and it shows) and protestors are protesting and we're all confused on who is doing what to whom on a legal or illegal basis.

What ICE Can't Do That's Unconstitutional

And we've watched them do it anyway. Now, before you come at me with the old, I'm a therapist and I have a duty to remain neutral I assure you my findings are based 100% on fact, and what I have seen with my own eyes.

I used to catch shoplifters for a living in college. My eyes don't lie.

What makes some of ICE's actions ‘illegal’ isn’t immigration enforcement itself—it’s the reported pattern of agents bypassing judge-signed warrants to enter homes, detaining people without proper legal justification, engaging in racial profiling, and using force that may not meet constitutional standards.

Now, in their defense, those agents as individuals have so many things working against them, every one of them is set up for failure. They have insufficient training, they have been told to go balls to the wall by their leaders, and some of them are traumatized veterans and law enforcement officers who are at high risk of having a heavy trigger finger.

A great example this playing out is the shooting pattern of victim Renee Good. A well trained law enforcement officer wouldn't even have engaged with her like that to begin with. But let's say a trained officer and Good were at the point right before she drove away. The officer wouldn't have stepped in front of the vehicle knowing she was behind the wheel and it was in motion.

A real law enforcement officer would have stayed to the side of the car, shot out her four tires and made an arrest if needed. The dude who shot Good has a history of domestic violence and had been dragged by a car months earlier and really was injured. He was at high risk of overreacting and not real law enforcement agency would never allow that to happen.

But our Department of Homeland Security did, and the result? Good's autopsy showed there were three clear bullet paths in her right chest, one on her left forearm, and one to the left temple.

Today, I saw via video the victim fighting with several ICE officers as they were all trying to restrain him. Then I heard a gunshot and the victim stopped fighting. All of the officers immediately scattered but for one, who lagged behind and fired at least three more shots into the victim.

Trigger. Finger. My eyes don't lie.

What ICE Is Doing

Entering homes with an “ICE warrant” that is not signed by a judge

A piece of paper signed by ICE (an “administrative warrant”) is not the same as a warrant signed by a judge. Forcing entry into a home without consent requires a judge-signed warrant , absent narrow emergency exceptions like you see someone laying on the floor in distress.

• AP reports an internal ICE memo claiming officers can forcibly enter homes using only administrative warrants for people with final removal orders.

• A federal judge in Minnesota ruled ICE violated the Fourth Amendment by forcibly entering a home without a judicial warrant in a Minnesota case, contradicting the logic of that internal memo.

Why that matters: The home has the strongest Fourth Amendment protections; bypassing judge review is exactly what courts scrutinize.

Suspicion-less stops, warrantless arrests, and racial profiling of U.S. citizens and residents

Renee Good was a United States Citizen, a resident of Minnesota and lived in a Minneapolis community, a city in the United States of America. Despite the rhetoric she did NOT do anything illegal. Her autopsy shows she died at the hands of another person who had trauma and trigger finger, evidenced by his recorded statement as she was crashing into a car, "Fucking bitch."

Today's vicitim is a United States Citizen, a 37 year old male from Minneapolis who had some prior traffic tickets. As it turns out he had a permit to carry the gun he was in possession of. There is no information at this time as to what lead up to them wrestling the man to the ground, beating him, then shooting him once, then shooting him more as one walked away.

Real law enforcement officers don't act like that. They immediately go into the proper protocol after shooting someone. Those who don't have probable cause are brought to justice; some are aquitted and some are found guilty. That's how our legal system works.

Also, Federal agents cannot legally stop, detain, or arrest people just because they “look like” immigrants, have an accent, or are nonwhite. Detentions and arrests generally require at least reasonable suspicion (for stops) and probable cause (for arrests), and racial/national-origin profiling is unconstitutional and illegal.

I learned not to racially profile shoppers when I worked as a store detective back in the 80s. Why? Because lots of rich middle age white people were shoplifters! And not a lot of people of color were!

How do I know all of this and that it's not my opinion?

• The ACLU publicly announced litigation in Minnesota alleging suspicionless stops, warrantless arrests, and racial profiling by ICE/CBP.

• A Minnesota Attorney General complaint (filed in federal court) describes alleged examples during the surge operation, including U.S. citizens detained after asserting citizenship, agents referencing accents as justification, and differential treatment of nonwhite city workers.

This is one of the clearest “illegal if true” categories because it maps directly onto settled constitutional standards.

Excessive force during stops/arrests and retaliatory force against protesters/observers

Even when an arrest is lawful, the amount of force used must be objectively reasonable given the situation. Using more force than necessary can be unconstitutional.

• The Supreme Court standard for excessive force is “objective reasonableness.”

• The Minnesota AG complaint alleges patterns including tackling, choke holds, brandishing weapons, pepper spray, shoving, and other threats/uses of force during the surge operation and around protest activity.

• AP reporting on today’s incident includes descriptions of escalating confrontation at the scene.

Whether any specific use of force is illegal depends on facts (video, threats, distance, weapons, commands, alternatives, etc.). But repeated violent outcomes + alleged unnecessary force is exactly what triggers civil-rights litigation and federal/state investigations.

Acting as if federal authority makes them exempt from local law

Federal agents have federal authority, but they are not above the Constitution, and they are not authorized to break state laws unless there is a lawful necessity and immunity applies in a narrow way.

• The Minnesota AG complaint alleges dangerous driving, ramming vehicles, traffic-law violations, and other conduct that—if proven—could create state-law and constitutional exposure.

What To Do

Insert me here wanting to fight reality and say, "Can you believe we're even talking about this shit??"

Evolve with me into a realistic stance: None of us ever thought we would be fighting each other in a civil-waresque kind of way. I'm certain none of our ancestors ever thought they would find themselves in times of high conflict.

We're 250 years old this year. Let's stay around for another 250. OK here is how YOU and I can make that happen!

Mindful Civic Action: Stay Steady, Get Precise, Take Effective Steps

When fear is high and information is chaotic, the most important skill is staying in your thinking brain long enough to choose effective action. That is not passive. It is disciplined.

A simple framework that works in real life:

1. Ground first (mindfulness + distress tolerance)

2. Name reality precisely (what’s happening, what’s wrong)

3. Name your internal experience (how you feel; what the threat is)

4. State what you want to change (specific outcomes, not just outrage)

5. Take one concrete action (repeat daily/weekly)

Ground First: How To Stay Calm and Mindful Without Becoming Numb

You’re not staying “calm” because you don’t care. You’re staying calm so you can stay effective.

DBT-style reset (60–120 seconds):

• STOP

  • Stop. Freeze the impulse to post, argue, or spiral.

  • Take a breath (slow exhale).

  • Observe: “My body is activated. My mind is predicting catastrophe.”

  • Proceed mindfully: choose the next right step.

• TIPP (fast nervous system reset)

  • Cold water on face/ice pack briefly, quick paced movement, then slow breathing.

Daily practice that prevents burnout:

• Set two news check-in windows (e.g., morning + early evening). Outside of that, no “just checking.”

• Use a rule: No action, no consumption. If you’re going to take in distressing information, pair it with a specific action (call, email, donate to legal aid, plan a meeting, talk to a neighbor).

Stop Fighting Reality: Radical Acceptance That Fuels Action

“Stop fighting reality” does not mean “accept injustice.” It means:

• Stop arguing with the fact that it is happening.

• Stop waiting for perfect clarity before you move.

• Stop letting outrage replace strategy.

Radical acceptance sounds like:

• “This is happening. I don’t like it. I’m not powerless. My next step is ___.”

Get Precise: Articulate What’s Wrong, How You Feel, What You Want

When people are overwhelmed, they speak in fog: “This is insane.” Precision is power so we have to say the truth out loud.

Use this formula:

What’s wrong (facts):

• “Federal immigration enforcement operations are resulting in deaths and allegations of unconstitutional tactics.”

How I feel (impact):

• “I feel frightened, angry, and betrayed because it feels like force is replacing due process, and communities are being terrorized.”

What I want (specific outcomes):

• “I want transparent investigations of shootings, clear limits on home entry without a judge-signed warrant, public reporting on stops/detentions, and accountability for unlawful force.”

A short script you can use anywhere (work, family, community):

• “Here’s what I’m seeing. Here’s how it’s affecting me. Here’s what I want to happen. Here’s what I’m doing about it.”

Write and call elected officials: “DEAR” but citizen version

Before you contact an office, do a 30-second reset (STOP + slow exhale). Your goal is credible, firm, specific.

Template

• Describe (facts): “I’m a constituent. I’m contacting you about federal immigration enforcement operations and reported shootings in Minneapolis, plus allegations of unconstitutional tactics.”

• Express (impact): “I am alarmed and angry. I want accountability and constitutional compliance.”

• Ask (specific):

  1. Public hearings/oversight on use-of-force and enforcement practices

  2. Independent investigation of shootings and any excessive force

  3. Clear public position that homes should not be entered without a judge-signed warrant or voluntary consent

  4. Public reporting requirements (stops, detentions, mistaken citizenship detentions, use-of-force incidents)

• Reinforce: “I will be tracking your response and sharing it with my community.”

Day-to-day example

• Monday: call your Representative (3 minutes).

• Wednesday: email your Senators (5 minutes).

• Friday: attend one local meeting (school board/city council) or write one LTE/op-ed paragraph and submit.

If you demonstrate: stay peaceful and safe (and regulate on purpose)

Protesting is more effective when it is disciplined. Your nervous system will be activated; plan for it.

Before you go

• Decide your “Wise Mind rules”:

  • No alcohol/drugs.

  • No engaging agitators.

  • No arguing with police/agents.

  • Leave when you notice you’re losing regulation.

• Buddy system, exit plan, meet-up point.

While you’re there (use distress tolerance)

• When your intensity hits 7/10: step back, breathe, drink water, reorient to surroundings (“I see a building, a tree, a street sign…”).

• If someone tries to escalate: “Not today.” Move away. You do not owe anyone your adrenaline.

If approached by law enforcement

• Ask: “Am I free to leave?”

• If not: “I’m going to remain silent. I want a lawyer.”

• Do not consent to searches. Do not physically resist.

Day-to-day example

• Practice the skill before you ever need it:

  • In the grocery line, notice activation, relax shoulders, slow exhale.

  • In traffic, practice “urge surfing” without acting.These are the same muscles you’ll use in a crowd.

If you’re stopped by ICE or federal agents: STOP → Script → Silence

Your objective is safety and rights protection, not winning an argument on the sidewalk.

Do

• Hands visible. Calm posture.

• “Am I free to leave?”

• If no: “I am invoking my right to remain silent. I want a lawyer.”

• Do not consent to searches of person/car/phone.

• Do not lie; do not volunteer information.

Mindfulness in the moment

• Name it internally: “My body is reacting. I can ride this wave.”

• Feel your feet. Exhale longer than you inhale. Use the script.

Day-to-day example

• Put the script in your notes app and practice it once a day for a week. Under stress, you will do what you rehearsed.

If ICE comes to your home: keep the door closed, don’t consent, stay regulated!

Your nervous system will scream “fix this now.” The regulated move is slower and simpler.

At the door

• Do not open the door.

• Ask them to identify themselves.

• “Do you have a warrant signed by a judge? Please slide it under the door or hold it to the window.”

• “I do not consent to entry or a search.”

If they enter anyway

• Do not physically resist.

• Repeat: “I do not consent to your entry or search.”

• Document afterward (time, agency, names, what was said), and contact legal support.

Distress tolerance plan for home

• Have a “crisis card” taped inside a cabinet:

  • Door stays closed

  • Script

  • Lawyer/legal aid number

  • Emergency contacts

  • Medications list (if relevant)

Day-to-day example

• Tonight: write the script on an index card and place it near the door.

• This week: discuss a family plan calmly when no one is activated.

How to apply this mindset in everyday life

Example 1: Doomscrolling spiral → effective action loop

Reality: “I’m checking my phone every 3 minutes and getting flooded.”

Skill: STOP + limit news windows + one action

Action: “I’ll call one office today and then close the app.”

Example 2: A heated conversation with a friend or family member

Reality: “This conversation is turning into a fight.”

Skill: Wise Mind boundary

Words: “I’m not doing a debate. I’m naming what I’m seeing, how I feel, and what I’m doing. If you want to join me, here’s how.”

Action: Invite them to a concrete step (call, meeting, mutual aid shift).

Example 3: Workplace anxiety and helplessness

Reality: “I feel powerless at work, and it’s leaking into my whole day.”

Skill: Opposite action + small control

Action: Take a 10-minute walk, then send one email to an elected official, then return to work. You convert anxiety into motion.

Example 4: Fear about public safety

Reality: “I’m scared to leave my house or go downtown.”

Skill: Check the facts + plan

Action: Go with a buddy, choose daytime, have exit plan, attend a structured event with organizers and clear norms.

Stay mindful so you can stay human.

Build distress tolerance so fear doesn’t drive your decisions.

Accept reality so you stop wasting energy fighting what’s already true—and then use that energy to take specific, repeatable action.

One last thing -

Federal agents don’t need the governor’s permission to enforce federal law, but they also can’t force state and local police to help. What we're seeing are federal officers running their own operations on city streets while local agencies stand back and document, manage safety, or challenge it in court.

Think about what you think needs to change in the future to prevent all of this from ever happening again. Those are the ideas that need to get floated to our politicians and elected officials.

I care about you! We're all in this together!

E Pluribus Unum - OUT OF MANY, ONE!