What to Do Wednesday
Your Weekly Guide to Staying Politically Active—From Abroad
Wednesday 28 January 2026
Topic: ICE, Political Violence and the Work Ahead
Good evening, and thank you for standing with us.
This morning’s news is a sobering reminder of the moment we are living in and why engagement matters.
Yesterday, during a town hall in Minneapolis, Representative Ilhan Omar was assaulted while speaking to constituents. An audience member sprayed her with an unknown substance from a syringe. The attacker was arrested at the scene and charged with third-degree assault. Representative Omar, visibly shaken but unharmed, refused medical attention and continued her remarks, making clear that intimidation and violence will not silence democratic participation.
Tragically, this incident comes amid recent deadly encounters involving federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis. In January, two U.S. citizens were fatally shot by federal agents during immigration operations in that city: Renée Nicole Good, a 37-year-old woman who was shot by an ICE agent on January 7, and Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse who was shot by federal agents during a protest on January 24. In both cases local officials and bystander videos have contradicted federal narratives about the incidents, and the deaths have sparked widespread protests and calls for accountability.
These deaths have shaken communities and intensified national debate over federal immigration enforcement, questions of accountability, and the unchecked scope of militarized authority.
That public outcry is beginning to have an effect.
In Minnesota, Republican lawyer and gubernatorial candidate Chris Madel ended his campaign and stepped away from the Republican Party, stating that he could no longer support a party that, in his words, engages in retribution against citizens and enables enforcement actions that harm communities, particularly people of color. At the federal level, sustained pressure has led the administration to replace leadership associated with the Minneapolis enforcement surge, including removing Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino from his public role amid the controversy.
These developments matter. They demonstrate that outrage, organizing, and persistent engagement work.
This brings us to the most urgent action of the day.
The U.S. Senate is preparing to vote on a spending bill that includes additional funding for ICE and the Department of Homeland Security. Senate Democrats, including Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, have signaled they may block the bill in protest, even if it leads to a government shutdown, citing outrage over federal agents’ conduct and the deaths of American citizens.
Today is the day to act.
Our critical, immediate call to action is to contact all our Senators to let them know that we DO NOT WANT more money to go to ICE -
- 5Calls.org: https://5calls.org/issue/dhs-budget-ice-defund/
- Senate Switchboard: (202) 224-3121
Be clear and direct:
“Do not vote for a spending bill that funds ICE. If necessary, allow the government to shut down rather than bankroll violence and unaccountable enforcement against U.S. citizens.”
Make the call today.
A second action you can take today. US Vice President J.D. Vance and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel are expected at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, where ICE will be part of the security contingent for the U.S. delegation, despite strong criticism in both the U.S. and Italy over the agency’s abusive enforcement record and recent deadly incidents in Minneapolis.
Their presence and rhetoric do not reflect our values as Democrats Abroad, who stand for human rights, due process, and dignity for migrants and refugees. Let's contact our Members of Congress to demand oversight of ICE and to reject the normalization of its presence at international events. You can use this ready-made template to reach out by email.
Upcoming Events - Democrats Abroad Italy
Be a part of the solution! Participate in DA Italy Monthly Country Committee Meeting February 13 @09:00
Live near Lucca? Join the Next Meeting of the Lucca Democracy Circle February 18 @6pm
Are you ready for it? Join the DA Italy Annual General Meeting we’re fighting for democracy and training joyful warriors to lead the charge March 14 & 15 2026.
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it, always.”
Mahatma Gandhi
In solidarity and with hope,
Leyani Redditi
Chair
Democrats Abroad Italy
PS - yes we know we keep asking you to request your ballot - but it really is that important! Voting is resistance, voting is our power, voting is our voice.
- Click below to head to VoteFromAbroad.org right now to request your ballot. It only takes a minute, and you’ll be ready to vote all year long!
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Voting is how we honor lives lost and demand a different future.