ICE agents are continuously showing that they won’t stop operations for anyone. When protestors do what they’re legally allowed to do, tear gas-happy agents will sometimes react with violence. In a recent ruling, a federal judge even had to step in to order law enforcement to stop pepper-spraying Minnesota residents when peacefully protesting. Now, an elderly woman having her say in Minnesota protests is speaking up after she, too, was gassed.
TikTok account @hypocrisyhammer shared an interview with an elderly woman in Minnesota after she was presumably sprayed with tear gas. She’s initially worried that her mascara is running while giving the interview, showing that her spirits are still intact after the attack. This woman, who doesn’t look like a threat whatsoever, was peacefully protesting with others when it happened. And this wasn’t her first time, either.
The woman says she grew up in Minnesota and has participated in many marches in the past. When the interviewer asked her if this was her first time getting gassed, she smiled and wiped at her eyes. She tells him this is the first time in “many, many years,” which is very telling. She’s definitely been through this, and it’s clear she’s been fighting for people’s rights for a long time.
The interviewer asks the elderly woman, “What inspired you to come out here?” She tells him, “I just couldn’t sit at home. I’ve been in marches and stuff. I had to do something.” She goes on to say that what’s happening in Minnesota right now is “shameful.” When she’s done giving her interview, she wipes the last of the remaining tear gas from her eyes. The interviewer tells her to “stay safe.” It’s very telling when ICE agents feel threatened by an elderly woman just saying her piece.
One commenter pointed out, “We must protect our grandmothers. They do so much to protect us.” Another commenter urged, “Keep fighting the good fight!” It’s people like this out there making a difference, young and old. Everybody deserves the right to have their voices heard at this time. The fact that someone at her age is still standing firm in their view of right and wrong says so much.
