Paul CantrellFeb 5

See, this — •this• — is what ICE+CBP are actually for under this regime. •This• is why they got a budget the size of Russia’s entire military.

It’s nothing to do with immigration. It’s about the would-be dictator having his own private military that:

- can be deployed domestically
- at will
- unbeholden to the UCMJ etc
- or disciplined military culture
- or any accountability whatsoever
- with unpredictably violent behavior
- applied indiscriminately
- to anyone
- so that the entire population is terrified of it

…because for them, the problem with Jan 6 was that the coup wasn’t violent enough and didn’t have enough weapons.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/04/steve-bannon-ice-immigration-agents-polling-sites-midterm-elections

Steve Bannon calls for immigration agents at polling sites during midterms

Ex-Trump adviser adds to elections officials’ concern about potential interference from Trump administration in voting

The Guardian
Show threadToni AittoniemiFeb 5

@inthehands What will it take for Americans to overthrow this fascist regime?

There is no question what is happening. It’s a coup. In broad daylight. 🤷‍♂️

Show threadRussell

@gimulnautti @inthehands

"do something"

If you're not an American and are saying "do something", then here is what you, as not an American, should be doing: The exact same thing you think Americans should be doing. Talk to _your_ government, politicians, and neighbors about organizing, boycotting, and putting truth on blast. If you're not willing to do that then you, and your government, are already on track for the same situation to play out locally.

Feb 5 at 11:00amPhanpy
Show threadRussellFeb 5

@gimulnautti @inthehands

If you're an American and are saying "why isn't anyone doing something" then you, as an American, are exactly why no one is doing anything. After J6 there is no excuse for not being aware of the mechanisms in play for doing something and why those levers aren't being pulled. Just as there is no mechanism to "cancel elections" there is also only one official mechanism to change elected officials prior the next election.

Show threadRussellFeb 5

To everyone else telling others to "do something": ask yourself what you think someone should be doing. If it involves a work strike, much less action through force, then what you're really saying asking is for someone, but not you of course, to paint a target on their back and risk everything while you do nothing.

No nation is an island (even literal island nations have boats) and any belief that only Americans can get America out of this problem is an extension of a rugged individualism.