The national trauma caused by what appears to be the murder of Renee Good by ICE in Minneapolis on January 7, 2026, followed by that of Alex Pretti on January 24th is giving many people in the country a glimpse into the micro elements of a police state. It is a picture of an agency with untrained people for the urban environment and bent on recruiting zealots off the street for the nefarious purpose of intimidation, causing fear and intending to subjugate.
ICE as presently constituted, is so inept that in its operations to search, capture and arrest immigrants, that its agents end up killing American citizens. They also do not seem to shoot straight as it took 3 shots for Renne Good and 10 for Alex Pretti at blank range to do their killing.
In effect, ICE has introduced the criminal element into its DHS institution. Its ability to disappear people into secrecy on the one hand and a tendency for creating a brawling environment in public on the other, represents the very essence of its increasing dark power.
Its ingredients are a recruited and growing group of intensely passionate people dedicated to a political ideology of righteous superiority of one race over others. The degree of extremism and fanatical manifestation of that belief constitutes the definition of a zealot devoted to that cause.
The misplaced passion and dedication is defined by many in that same group as patriotism. They call themselves patriots because they genuinely believe themselves to vigorously support and defend their country against racial, ethnic and cultural enemies and detractors.
Videos show that the January 6, 2021, attackers of the capitol called each other patriots. This horde, largely convened by the outgoing President of the United States, was really convinced that they were patriots. We must understand that these “patriots” were willing to destroy the people’s house to achieve their aims. The violence in on behalf of Trump, a symbol of their distorted view of a free and democratic America, continues to this day. Pardoned by the President in the beginning of his second term, they are now on the inside influencing institutions like ICE. ICE’s mission on immigration seems to have lost its focus.
The most important historical moment in the 21st Century so far is 9/11. America under direct attack was a watershed moment that changed the destiny of many in the country. Most of us know somebody that responded to 9/11 by joining the military and fighting in the wars that followed. One of my family members was a Marine that participated in the invasion of Iraq, and another decided to continue his career in the United States Air Force.
The concept of a hero, an individual that possesses courage, noble character and significant achievement in overcoming adversity for the common good, describes many in our country. Yet the immediacy of war and its life and death struggle can crystallize the idea of a hero to its maximum luster.
That has been the case with respect to our military and its individual and collective achievements especially in Iraq and Afghanistan. The concept of heroism has not been distorted and remains intact largely because people, including politicians, use it to campaign or get elected.
Finally, there is a general lack of initiative to confront our social and political divisions and achieve victory in the area for our common good. Success in putting aside differences and accepting the reality of America would be a heroic achievement.
The views expressed by David Conde are not necessarily the views of LaVozColorado. Comments and responses may be directed to News@lavozcolorado.com.
