Across the United States, intensified ICE operations have stirred deep anxiety among immigrant communities and beyond, with people fearing raids, detentions, and violent confrontations that disrupt their daily life. Against that backdrop, an elderly woman in California (read: a Karen) confronted a shopper in a grocery store, and allegedly threatened to call ICE on them. The argument was caught on camera, and is currently making the rounds online right now.
The footage is recorded from the perspective of the woman being targeted by the Karen, and sees the victim repeatedly exclaiming, “Call them. Call them. Who are you gonna call? Who are you gonna call? Say it again.” Stood in a grocery aisle, the Karen responds, “Shut up,” as a security guard gets between the two, in a bid to prevent the situation from escalating further.
The elderly lady then begins to repeat, “The police. The police. Listen.” though the person recording clearly isn’t having any of it. “I’m gonna make you go viral.” claims the camerawoman, before adding, “Get the [expletive] out!” as the confrontation continues to heat up. In the next clip, the person recording pans to the Karen’s SUV, which is notably fitted with a California license plate.
Meanwhile, the footage then cuts to earlier in the incident, with the Karen stating, “I want to see police not ICE.” though the person recording accuses her of threatening to call ICE on her. “What did you say? What did you say? You said you’re gonna call ICE on me. No, say it.”
The California woman denies the accusation; however, during a continued back-and-forth about calling the police, she is heard muttering under her breath, “You’re supposed to be in jail.” The camerawoman then exclaims, “Call them. What are they gonna do? I’m a US citizen, honey. I belong here. I belong here. Then why do you tell me to call ICE? I belong here.” It’s at this point where the confrontation gets even more heated, and a security guard steps in and asks both of the women to leave the premises.
As the video continues to spread online, social media users have taken to the comments to share their reactions. On Reddit, one user wrote, “Twist: Glasses lady gets deported for being an unbearable person.” while a second commenter joked, “As if noone in that store shouted ghost busters. I’m disappointed in you America“. A third likeminded commenter quipped, “Lady missed an opportunity to say “Ghostbusters.”“
