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As many of you know, I live in the Twin Cities. I want to clarify something based on what people are seeing and sharing online. I live in the heart of what’s been making headlines, so here’s what life actually looks like day-to-day.

Minneapolis and the Twin Cities are not “burning.” What is happening is a tense and hostile situation. ICE agents have been using illegal tactics and, in some cases, have been actively hostile. They have fatally shot someone, non-fatally shot others, and gone door-to-door.

Protesters are loud, visible, and overwhelmingly peaceful, exercising their First Amendment rights. A very small number of incidents, including fireworks, physical interference, and vandalism, get amplified because conflict attracts attention, but they are not representative of daily life here.

There is significant fear, and I’m not downplaying that. After unlawful detentions, minority communities have legitimate concerns about what could happen to them. Fear is a valid emotion, but fear can cause knee-jerk reactions. Remember to breathe through it.

I support peaceful protest, documenting events, and helping neighbors. I do not support violence or physical confrontation. Escalation only puts people at risk. Take the legal route. Stay alive.