Heather Silsbee
@hsilsbee.bsky.social
Editor, communicator, abolitionist, Southwest Minneapolis resident trying to make it less of a problem. Queer/bi, chronically ill, she/her
Pinned
Heather Silsbee
@hsilsbee.bsky.social
· Jan 10
Resharing this evergreen op-ed I wrote in 2023 after many Minneapolis City Council members called for stricter controls of protest in the state after one protest action made them uncomfortable. It was right after the death of disability rights icon Judy Huemann.
www.startribune.com/discomfortin...
www.startribune.com/discomfortin...
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
I’m excited to announce that my colleagues and I are proposing a $5 million program meant to support small businesses impacted by “Operation Metro Surge” in Minneapolis. 1/
February 10, 2026 at 6:05 PM
I’m excited to announce that my colleagues and I are proposing a $5 million program meant to support small businesses impacted by “Operation Metro Surge” in Minneapolis. 1/
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
For today's Shop Local campaign, we are focusing on the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood. Please visit the area and patronize the diverse restaurants/businesses it has to offer.
Personal admin recommendation: Red Sea
Check out the rest of the week of action here:
www.iceoutnowmn.com/shop-local-f...
Personal admin recommendation: Red Sea
Check out the rest of the week of action here:
www.iceoutnowmn.com/shop-local-f...
February 10, 2026 at 6:42 PM
For today's Shop Local campaign, we are focusing on the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood. Please visit the area and patronize the diverse restaurants/businesses it has to offer.
Personal admin recommendation: Red Sea
Check out the rest of the week of action here:
www.iceoutnowmn.com/shop-local-f...
Personal admin recommendation: Red Sea
Check out the rest of the week of action here:
www.iceoutnowmn.com/shop-local-f...
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
Living in Minnesota right now feels like being in the emergency room. Literally everyone is suffering in different ways, even if it's "just" a badly twisted ankle rather than a kidney stone or a full-on heart attack. The staff are working as hard as they can but energy and resources are dwindling.
February 10, 2026 at 5:29 PM
Living in Minnesota right now feels like being in the emergency room. Literally everyone is suffering in different ways, even if it's "just" a badly twisted ankle rather than a kidney stone or a full-on heart attack. The staff are working as hard as they can but energy and resources are dwindling.
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
ICE is having a devastating impact on our small businesses here in Minneapolis. Businesses are having to close because of the terror ICE is inflicting on our community.
Now is the time to reach out to your federal representative to let them know you don’t support funding DHS.
Now is the time to reach out to your federal representative to let them know you don’t support funding DHS.
February 10, 2026 at 6:36 PM
ICE is having a devastating impact on our small businesses here in Minneapolis. Businesses are having to close because of the terror ICE is inflicting on our community.
Now is the time to reach out to your federal representative to let them know you don’t support funding DHS.
Now is the time to reach out to your federal representative to let them know you don’t support funding DHS.
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
ok pals, @reedeliot.bsky.social & i (in tandem with @jamesirvinghair.bsky.social) are barnraising for a family in minneapolis who needs urgent rent support.
this family has three kids and has been sheltering for two months.
Goal: $2100
V/PP: allisonannecollage
V: jamesirving
$: jamesirvinghair
this family has three kids and has been sheltering for two months.
Goal: $2100
V/PP: allisonannecollage
V: jamesirving
$: jamesirvinghair
February 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM
ok pals, @reedeliot.bsky.social & i (in tandem with @jamesirvinghair.bsky.social) are barnraising for a family in minneapolis who needs urgent rent support.
this family has three kids and has been sheltering for two months.
Goal: $2100
V/PP: allisonannecollage
V: jamesirving
$: jamesirvinghair
this family has three kids and has been sheltering for two months.
Goal: $2100
V/PP: allisonannecollage
V: jamesirving
$: jamesirvinghair
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
We’re never going to turn our backs on our neighbors and stop exercising our constitutional rights. No amount of meetings with Tom Homan or anyone in the Trump administration will change our community’s resolve.
This only ends when every DHS agent leaves and they no longer exist to terrorize us.
This only ends when every DHS agent leaves and they no longer exist to terrorize us.
February 10, 2026 at 5:22 PM
We’re never going to turn our backs on our neighbors and stop exercising our constitutional rights. No amount of meetings with Tom Homan or anyone in the Trump administration will change our community’s resolve.
This only ends when every DHS agent leaves and they no longer exist to terrorize us.
This only ends when every DHS agent leaves and they no longer exist to terrorize us.
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
We should not normalize smashing in people's car windows. That alone is a civil rights violation!
Federal agents abducted two people in Uptown, Minneapolis this morning at 6:45am. Boxed in their car in the middle of a major commercial street (Lagoon) and smashed out their window.
February 10, 2026 at 4:55 PM
We should not normalize smashing in people's car windows. That alone is a civil rights violation!
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
Pretty confident the slope of their argument will go:
1. No, we’re only tracking illegal immigrants, because crime.
2. Well, some U.S. did end up being tracked as well. But again, because crime.
3. Of course there’s a database of U.S citizens, that’s how we keep you safe. You know, from crime.
1. No, we’re only tracking illegal immigrants, because crime.
2. Well, some U.S. did end up being tracked as well. But again, because crime.
3. Of course there’s a database of U.S citizens, that’s how we keep you safe. You know, from crime.
Asked about the Maine ICE agent who told a protester that her info would be entered into a "nice little database," Lyons said there is no such database.
"There is no database that’s tracking U.S. citizens."
"There is no database that’s tracking U.S. citizens."
February 10, 2026 at 4:41 PM
Pretty confident the slope of their argument will go:
1. No, we’re only tracking illegal immigrants, because crime.
2. Well, some U.S. did end up being tracked as well. But again, because crime.
3. Of course there’s a database of U.S citizens, that’s how we keep you safe. You know, from crime.
1. No, we’re only tracking illegal immigrants, because crime.
2. Well, some U.S. did end up being tracked as well. But again, because crime.
3. Of course there’s a database of U.S citizens, that’s how we keep you safe. You know, from crime.
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
"I've been detained in Dilley Immigration Processing Center for 20 days... I haven't been able to see my family and friends... I feel so much sadness and depression of not being able to leave."
This is what the Trump-Vance Administration is doing to children in the United States of America.
This is what the Trump-Vance Administration is doing to children in the United States of America.
February 10, 2026 at 4:26 PM
"I've been detained in Dilley Immigration Processing Center for 20 days... I haven't been able to see my family and friends... I feel so much sadness and depression of not being able to leave."
This is what the Trump-Vance Administration is doing to children in the United States of America.
This is what the Trump-Vance Administration is doing to children in the United States of America.
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
for @autostraddle.bsky.social, i wrote about how minnesota's queer-owned businesses (and queer folks in general) are standing up to ICE and defending their communities:
How Minnesota’s Queer-Owned Businesses Are Leading the Fight Against ICE
As the federal occupation continues, community members are committing themselves to standing up to the feds while supporting the state’s immigrant communities in any way possible.
www.autostraddle.com
February 10, 2026 at 3:35 PM
for @autostraddle.bsky.social, i wrote about how minnesota's queer-owned businesses (and queer folks in general) are standing up to ICE and defending their communities:
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
My team @propublica.org is hiring.
We're looking for a data reporter itching to do ambitious, impactful investigations that uncover abuses of power and betrayals of the public trust. Maybe that's you? grnh.se/iunysgl96us
We're looking for a data reporter itching to do ambitious, impactful investigations that uncover abuses of power and betrayals of the public trust. Maybe that's you? grnh.se/iunysgl96us
Data Reporter
Remote, United States
grnh.se
February 10, 2026 at 3:25 PM
My team @propublica.org is hiring.
We're looking for a data reporter itching to do ambitious, impactful investigations that uncover abuses of power and betrayals of the public trust. Maybe that's you? grnh.se/iunysgl96us
We're looking for a data reporter itching to do ambitious, impactful investigations that uncover abuses of power and betrayals of the public trust. Maybe that's you? grnh.se/iunysgl96us
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
i urgently need a lawyer/group of lawyers who can write up a risk assessment for people of various citizenship/visa/asylum statuses to get on a plane home to minnesota from detention
February 10, 2026 at 3:33 PM
i urgently need a lawyer/group of lawyers who can write up a risk assessment for people of various citizenship/visa/asylum statuses to get on a plane home to minnesota from detention
I'm giving all profits from my jewelry Etsy shop to mutual aid funds until Metro Surge ends: hmjewelrympls.etsy.com
hmjewelrympls.etsy.com
February 10, 2026 at 4:29 PM
I'm giving all profits from my jewelry Etsy shop to mutual aid funds until Metro Surge ends: hmjewelrympls.etsy.com
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
starting a new thread of artists who are raising mutual aid for minnesotans affected by the occupation — there are so many who are doing great things to help, and some that have posted mostly on instagram.
February 10, 2026 at 4:16 PM
starting a new thread of artists who are raising mutual aid for minnesotans affected by the occupation — there are so many who are doing great things to help, and some that have posted mostly on instagram.
From a Minnesotan, thank you, truly, for your accurate coverage and continuing to spread this truth. 💜
February 10, 2026 at 4:24 PM
From a Minnesotan, thank you, truly, for your accurate coverage and continuing to spread this truth. 💜
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
Q: Is Tom Homan easing the situation in MN?
Lyon: "We’ve seen a deescalation in the fact that the protests ... have subsided and ICE has been allowed to do their targeted intelligence-driven enforcement operations."
This is false. I talk to MN folks every day who say NOTHING has changed.
Lyon: "We’ve seen a deescalation in the fact that the protests ... have subsided and ICE has been allowed to do their targeted intelligence-driven enforcement operations."
This is false. I talk to MN folks every day who say NOTHING has changed.
February 10, 2026 at 4:13 PM
Q: Is Tom Homan easing the situation in MN?
Lyon: "We’ve seen a deescalation in the fact that the protests ... have subsided and ICE has been allowed to do their targeted intelligence-driven enforcement operations."
This is false. I talk to MN folks every day who say NOTHING has changed.
Lyon: "We’ve seen a deescalation in the fact that the protests ... have subsided and ICE has been allowed to do their targeted intelligence-driven enforcement operations."
This is false. I talk to MN folks every day who say NOTHING has changed.
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
TIL what DARVO means, a helpful term for this hearing:
"An acronym for 'Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender,' a reaction that perpetrators of wrongdoing, such as abusers or sexual offenders, may display in response to being held accountable for their behavior."
"An acronym for 'Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender,' a reaction that perpetrators of wrongdoing, such as abusers or sexual offenders, may display in response to being held accountable for their behavior."
February 10, 2026 at 3:50 PM
TIL what DARVO means, a helpful term for this hearing:
"An acronym for 'Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender,' a reaction that perpetrators of wrongdoing, such as abusers or sexual offenders, may display in response to being held accountable for their behavior."
"An acronym for 'Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender,' a reaction that perpetrators of wrongdoing, such as abusers or sexual offenders, may display in response to being held accountable for their behavior."
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
"The men and women of ICE have been empowered to do exactly what they were trained to do: arrest and remove illegal aliens and criminals from our communities," says Lyons.
Okay. Exhibit A: Liam Canejo Ramos
Okay. Exhibit A: Liam Canejo Ramos
February 10, 2026 at 3:45 PM
"The men and women of ICE have been empowered to do exactly what they were trained to do: arrest and remove illegal aliens and criminals from our communities," says Lyons.
Okay. Exhibit A: Liam Canejo Ramos
Okay. Exhibit A: Liam Canejo Ramos
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
Thompson notes committee members invited Lyons to testify nearly a month ago.
"I guess DHS needed time to get its story straight before he came to testify under oath."
"I guess DHS needed time to get its story straight before he came to testify under oath."
February 10, 2026 at 3:36 PM
Thompson notes committee members invited Lyons to testify nearly a month ago.
"I guess DHS needed time to get its story straight before he came to testify under oath."
"I guess DHS needed time to get its story straight before he came to testify under oath."
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
Thomson says Trump and Noem "are doing real damage to this country" and to DHS, which was stood up after 9/11 to protect Americans from future attacks.
"Sec. Noem is a liar with no concern for the lives of Americans killed by the Department she runs. She must go."
"Sec. Noem is a liar with no concern for the lives of Americans killed by the Department she runs. She must go."
February 10, 2026 at 3:32 PM
Thomson says Trump and Noem "are doing real damage to this country" and to DHS, which was stood up after 9/11 to protect Americans from future attacks.
"Sec. Noem is a liar with no concern for the lives of Americans killed by the Department she runs. She must go."
"Sec. Noem is a liar with no concern for the lives of Americans killed by the Department she runs. She must go."
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
Lyons repeatedly refuses to say if even a single ICE agent has been fired since Good and Pretti were fatally shot.
He also said he will not apologize to the family of Renee Good for Noem falsely accusing Good of being "a domestic terrorist," saying he won't comment while investigation underway.
He also said he will not apologize to the family of Renee Good for Noem falsely accusing Good of being "a domestic terrorist," saying he won't comment while investigation underway.
February 10, 2026 at 4:20 PM
Lyons repeatedly refuses to say if even a single ICE agent has been fired since Good and Pretti were fatally shot.
He also said he will not apologize to the family of Renee Good for Noem falsely accusing Good of being "a domestic terrorist," saying he won't comment while investigation underway.
He also said he will not apologize to the family of Renee Good for Noem falsely accusing Good of being "a domestic terrorist," saying he won't comment while investigation underway.
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the Powderhorn Rent Fund. Unfortunately, Governor Walz has refused to enact an eviction moratorium, so we need the help of our community.
gofund.me/335f2d840
gofund.me/335f2d840
Donate to Support Powderhorn Families with Urgent Rent Relief, organized by Powderhorn Neighbors
2.5.26 Update:
Saying “Your rent is covered,” has mattered … Powderhorn Neighbors needs your support for Support Powderhorn Families with Urgent Rent Relief
gofund.me
February 10, 2026 at 2:29 PM
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the Powderhorn Rent Fund. Unfortunately, Governor Walz has refused to enact an eviction moratorium, so we need the help of our community.
gofund.me/335f2d840
gofund.me/335f2d840
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
I’m begging media to not use propaganda (“immigration crackdown”) as truth. You’ve interviewed the people here with authorization (green cards, work permits, asylum applications) and the citizens of color who have been targeted by ICE. You know it’s isn’t an “immigration crackdown.”
Twin Cities home builders are falling behind schedule as the federal immigration crackdown in Minnesota has fueled a shortage of roofing, drywall and other construction workers, according to developers and real estate agents.
Twin Cities immigration crackdown delays home construction, slows real estate market
As immigrant workers move or stay home, a shortage of workers in the trades also is affecting the existing home market and rental owners.
www.startribune.com
February 10, 2026 at 1:44 PM
I’m begging media to not use propaganda (“immigration crackdown”) as truth. You’ve interviewed the people here with authorization (green cards, work permits, asylum applications) and the citizens of color who have been targeted by ICE. You know it’s isn’t an “immigration crackdown.”
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
“For Elena’s and Renata’s daughters, this has meant no school, an abrupt interruption to their education, like the return of a COVID shutdown, only school is open but proceeding without them.”
I really can’t get over the vast inequity of schooling right now.
I really can’t get over the vast inequity of schooling right now.
I don’t think we’re hearing anywhere near enough from impacted families. The quiet terror :
www.minnpost.com/community-vo...
www.minnpost.com/community-vo...
Two families feel the quiet terror of immigration enforcement - MinnPost
For my undocumented friends, much about normal life changed when federal immigration agents came to Minnesota.
www.minnpost.com
February 10, 2026 at 3:07 PM
“For Elena’s and Renata’s daughters, this has meant no school, an abrupt interruption to their education, like the return of a COVID shutdown, only school is open but proceeding without them.”
I really can’t get over the vast inequity of schooling right now.
I really can’t get over the vast inequity of schooling right now.
Reposted by Heather Silsbee
Indirectly? That’s like saying the economic wrecking ball effect isn’t intentional.
February 10, 2026 at 3:14 PM
Indirectly? That’s like saying the economic wrecking ball effect isn’t intentional.