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Live Update with Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows & Some Thoughts About Minnesota

A recording from Joyce Vance's live video

Joyce Vance and Shenna Bellows

Jan 24

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This morning, before the news that a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent shot and killed 37-year-old VA nurse Alex Pretti, who appears in video to have been attempting to come to the aid of a woman agents had pushed to the ground, I spoke with Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows about ICE’s presence in Maine.

The news from Maine has been reported far less than that from Minnesota, and rightfully so in light of today’s horrific shooting and the death of Renee Good last week. But it’s important to understand that this administration, instead of making any effort to de-escalate tension, is doing everything it can to fan the flames. That takes us to Maine. Trump has sent ICE into Maine, with Minnesota already unstable in the wake of the government’s intrusion. Instead of reducing ICE’s footprint, he’s expanding it. That’s a deliberate provocation.

Shenna Bellows is as firm and deliberate as any elected official I’ve heard when it comes to discussing pushing back against the Trump administration—with her, it’s not just talk, she’s in the thick of things. It was especially interesting to hear her discuss one significant measure she’s taken to make it more difficult for ICE to operate anonymously in her state. As we discussed with Doug Jones yesterday, state officials really can make a difference in this moment.

So, take a break from the news when you can and watch the video if you missed us live. Get caught up on the news from Maine, but also, hear from a public servant who means what she says and backs it up with action.

I’ll have more to write to you about the death of Alex Pretti in Minnesota at the hands of CBP agents today, the utter propaganda DHS spouted in its wake, and what it means to have federal law enforcement attacking American citizens and treating an American city like a war zone, after I have a few moments to collect my thoughts. But it has been a hard day. Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

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