Bravery comes in many forms. Sometimes, it’s loud and bold, and shouted from the rooftops in the face of injustice. Other times, it’s subtle but powerful, coming in the form of a warning shared through quiet actions. Among all of the chaos and tragedy left in ICE’s wake, one Minnesota teen took to TikTok to be the good in the world. The message was quick, but it may save many students.
Nevaeh, known on TikTok as @thevaehhalexys, posted a one-minute-long message following the tragedy that sparked protests throughout Minneapolis. When one of their own, Nicole Good, was murdered at the hands of ICE, protests erupted throughout the city. ICE raids met those protests as agents took to the streets to apprehend protesters. The line between moral and inhumane is blurred, and now it seems nowhere is safe.
In Nevaeh’s video, the teen warns other students about impending ICE raids. “If you live in Minnesota and you’re in high school, I just want y’all to be safe today,” Nevaeh says. The agents already showed up at Roosevelt High School, allegedly with a list of other schools to raid. According to this, Armstrong and Cooper high schools were also on the list.
“If you are of race, stay home today, no shade,” Nevaeh continues. “Everybody, be safe. Stay home today. Do not come to school today, because ICE is really coming up in these schools and kidnapping people.” At the end of the video, the teen adds, “I don’t know who even legalized ICE coming into schools, but that’s sick as bleep. I hope all these teachers protect their students, for real.”
The video has been seen by thousands, with many grateful viewers in the comments. “Amen, thank you so much,” one TikTok user says. “The school said they’re closing down and making it e-learning for this very reason. But if you do have school, be safe,” another comments.
Sadly, many others expressed fear of what’s still to come. “They are in my small town right now and took a woman we know, and she has a work visa. My little brother can’t go to school; we are a small community. We are living in fear right now. My mom and aunt can’t even step outside,” one user shares. As the comments continued, one TikTok user issued a final warning. The gravity of the situation has never been clearer: “Even if you are a white passing Hispanic and have a Hispanic last or first name, still don’t come.”
