It’s not surprising when the guy who’s been screaming about the horrors of late-stage capitalism on Instagram for the last five years turns his anger toward ICE. But something different has been happening over the past few weeks following the recent shootings of civilians by federal agents — even accounts that focused on people playing golf, chopping wood, and playing bongo-like cats have started speaking out.
Following the killing of Alex Pretty by ICE, the discussion on social media and Reddit took an even more intense turn yesterday. Even the moderators of the generally politics-free r/CatBongos (a subreddit “where gentlemen, gentlewomen, and quality gentlemen gather to watch cats play like bongos”) spoke out in a post where he declared that “If you still support Trump/ICE even the slightest bit, you are not welcome in this sub.”
Quilters on Instagram or Facebook accounts dedicated to New England gravestones have decided enough is enough, this is one thing. But, judging by the comments, it seems the government has lost the support of r/Army as well. The subreddit is filled with angry posters denouncing that “this is exactly what torture looks like” and sharing memes mocking Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. One poster claimed to be an active member of the US Army who served for 21 years, saying, “These people are against everything we stand for as Americans. Modern brownshirts.”
All over Reddit, anti-ICE posts are exploding. From r/Fauxmoi, to r/NFCNorthMemeWar, and r/DungeonCrawlerCarl. There have even been some limited signs of rebellion among members of r/Conservative, some of whom have taken exception to Kristi Noem calling Alexei Preti a “domestic terrorist” and suggesting she should “just lay low for a while.” And there has been debate among community members over perceived hypocrisy surrounding the Second Amendment.
Some big names have also joined the group, including Joe Santagetto basement yard Podcast, which posted that what was happening on the streets of Minneapolis was “legitimately horrifying.” And when someone told him to “stay away from politics,” and “start spitting water from your mouth and messing up words with your idiot friends.” He replied, “De-jumble it: kusuk yam slalab.”
Canadian wrestlers and social media influencers Chris and Patrick Voroz have spoken out about their anti-ICE views before, but they took the opportunity to remind people of the only two ICE agents they support. Educational YouTube channel Primer also told X that it was no longer about politics, but about “the fabric of society”.
Canadian musician BBNO$ decided to break his silence, even if it jeopardizes his visa and his current US tour, and threw his support behind the movement to abolish ICE. Even Thoren Bradley, the
It’s no surprise to hear from creators like Hank Green. But when fitness influencers, duck-painting TikTokers, football subreddits, and even Second Amendment rights activists have finally broken their silence, it seems as if the government has lost control of the narrative. No matter how hard they try to turn it around.
Let us know in the comments what other creators and communities have started saying in the comments.
Updated on January 25: Added additional information about Reddit communities.
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