In another thread where someone asked about wearing face masks and bringing a burner phone, I commented saying I’m in a blue state and my views are all over social media, so I don’t see how those things would protect me? Like if they are coming after dissidents I’m already on the list.

This person basically called me stupid and said people are being snatched off the streets and if I’m afraid to be snatched and sent to an El Salvador prison I shouldn’t go and protest on the 5th. This is after I pointed out if they are planning to abduct and deport protesters then how is a mask and burner phone going to protect me? I mean, I’m there with a sign protesting?!? I get that they could identify my face later, but I post that I was at the protest then what difference does it make if I cover my face or not?

If I go clean up my decades of social media, hide my political views, wear a mask and bring a burner phone, never post again about going to protests, then honestly what is the point of protesting? Part of the protest is spreading awareness and making it known where we stand publicly.

So now I’m having second thoughts about even going. My 70 year old mom wants to go, my 18 year old niece wants to go. I have three kids. I’m a trauma survivor, neurodivergent, gay - if I get snatched up off the street and sent to El Salvador I’m literally dead. I would not survive that. And my kids need me.

I did not think we were at a level where peaceful protestors in a blue state would be arrested and detained and deported. But that commenter was very sure of himself and said I’m afraid of that happening to stay home. I mean, who wouldn’t be afraid of that happening? If this is a real possibility what are we even doing here? Protesting won’t work in that case if that’s the result. We should be moving to more boycotts and general strikes if we are taking such a huge risk to protest.

Originally Posted By u/Specific-County1862 At 2025-03-30 12:41:28 PM | Source