ICE agents have been accused of mistreating migrants ever since Donald Trump‘s immigration crackdown began. However, the backlash became intense when U.S. citizen Renee Nicole Good was killed during an encounter with ICE. Then, the Alex Pretti incident only added fuel to the fire.
Amid the chaos, Hope Giselle-Godsey, a writer and an activist, shared a post on Instagram that has sparked a long discussion on the internet about race and empathy. Most importantly, a conversation has begun about the controversial ICE activities in Minnesota.
On her Instagram account @hopegiselle, the woman made a striking comparison. She said the political “awakening” among the Americans after the ICE-related violence has generated some sense of urgency or public response. It was greater than when similar harm was inflicted on Black, Brown, immigrant, and other marginalized communities.
“I was a little afraid not a lot of people would show up. This means a lot of people don’t want to see their neighbors taken.” “ICE has become this gestapo force, taking anyone from their homes, from their cars, murdering people. ICE will come to your city.” #Minneapolis pic.twitter.com/HHhhOyWLbg
— World Socialist Web Site (@WSWS_Updates) January 24, 2026
In her video, Giselle-Godsey also mentioned proximity-based empathy. She explained that the public concern only increases when the injustice affects a certain group of people who feel socially and racially marginalized. The woman explained that the recent ICE killings only sparked outrage because the victims were white. That’s what led to organized and widespread alarm.
She lamented that it did not feel the same when similar harm was inflicted on immigrants, trans women, English speakers, and the underprivileged families. “Some of y’all didn’t wake up because you finally understood the system. You woke up because the system finally looked like you,” she said.
While she is not questioning the protestors, she is criticizing the motivations behind their engagement. Giselle-Godsey also criticized those who are joining late, but ignored the movements initially. She also asked the participants to reflect on their absence in the early protests, respect existing leadership structures, and resistance led by marginalized groups. She said it is necessary to step towards genuine solidarity and accountability.
Don’t get distracted by Minnesota headlines, ICE is detaining illegals coast to coast.
Agents cuff one, mob forms, and pepper spray comes out to clear the path.
Agitator won’t comply and gets detained on the spot.
This is how real enforcement looks. No more playing nice. pic.twitter.com/FsPBTXQkyn
— Kim “Katie” USA (@KimKatieUSA) January 16, 2026
“Movements don’t grow from pretending we’ve always been here. They grow when people admit when they weren’t,” Giselle-Godsey wrote. The post generated significant attention on the internet. However, not all of it was praise. There was some criticism as well.
Some users felt that it was a necessary video to reignite the sense of an awakening. They believe it is a reality check on the double standards in public outrage. However, critics felt that her video was increasing the divisions between the allies in a moment when things are already intense. While the video sparks debate, Giselle-Godsey’s video sure sparked some broader conversations.
