For years, social media has been a platform for users to voice their opinions on a variety of issues, including the perceived negative impacts of late-stage capitalism. Recently, this discourse has shifted to include strong reactions against ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement). Following recent incidents involving federal agents and civilian casualties, even those who typically focus on more benign topics like golf and woodworking have started to express their disapproval.

The online landscape took a significant turn after the death of Alex Pretti at the hands of ICE agents. On Reddit, even communities that traditionally avoid political discussions, like r/catbongos—a subreddit where users share videos of cats being playfully drummed like bongos—are taking a stand. The subreddit’s moderator issued a statement declaring that supporters of Trump or ICE are no longer welcome in the group.

The backlash extends beyond niche interest groups. Instagram accounts dedicated to quilting and Facebook pages focusing on New England gravestones are now joining the chorus of discontent. This sentiment appears to have permeated even r/military, a subreddit that usually supports government actions. Members there are expressing outrage, calling recent events a form of tyranny and mocking the Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth. A self-identified U.S. Army member, with 21 years of service, described federal agents as “modern-day brownshirts,” signaling a deep sense of betrayal.

Reddit is currently awash with posts criticizing ICE across various communities, from r/Fauxmoi to r/NFCNorthMemeWar and r/DungeonCrawlerCarl. Even in r/conservative, typically a bastion of right-leaning views, there are signs of dissent. Some members are challenging South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem’s labeling of Alex Pretti as a “domestic terrorist,” suggesting she should refrain from making such statements. Debates are also emerging over the Second Amendment, highlighting internal division.

Notable figures have also added their voices to the growing criticism. Joe Santagato, host of The Basement Yard podcast, described the violent scenes in Minneapolis as “legit horrifying.” When advised to steer clear of politics and stick to his comedic content, Santagato sharply retorted with a clever play on words, demonstrating his unwillingness to be silenced.

Chris and Patrick Vörös, Canadian wrestlers and social media influencers known for their anti-ICE stance, reiterated their position, humorously supporting only two fictional ICE agents. The educational YouTube channel Primer further emphasized that the current situation transcends politics, impacting the very “fabric of society.”

Synthfluencers and music gear YouTubers have also spoken out, including Benn Jordan, Randall Taylor (Amulets), Bad Snacks, and Jason Mays, one of the hosts of Working Class Music. The United Musicians & Allied Workers has also called for the abolition of ICE. Many manufacturers have also thrown their support behind the people of Minneapolis, even if it turns off some of their potential customers, including Drolo, Chase Bliss, and Hungry Robot.

Canadian musician bbno$ decided to break his silence, even if it risked his visa and his current U.S. tour, to throw his support behind the abolish ICE movement. Even Thoren Bradley, the Axe Man himself, whose whole schtick is being a ripped rural dude who chops wood, has decided to call out the hypocrisy of the Christian conservatives to his 10.7 million followers.

The National Basketball Players Association also released a statement, saying that it “stand(s) in solidarity with the people of Minnesota protesting and risking their lives to demand justice.”

That creators like Hank Green are speaking out is no surprise. But when fitness influencers, duck-painting TikTokers, football subreddits, bourbon Instagramers, and even Second Amendment rights activists have finally broken their silence, it seems like the government has lost control of the narrative. No matter how hard they try to spin it.

Let us know in the comments what other creators and communities have begun to speakout.

Updates January 25th: Added additional information about Reddit communities, music gear manufacturers, and a statement from the NBPA.