A Sunday Ride: An Encounter with ICE Protesters

The sun hung high over Montrose, casting a warm glow on the San Juans that begged for a motorcycle ride. It was one of those perfect Sundays in early February, where the crisp mountain air mixed with the thrill of freedom on two wheels. As I cruised through town, my mind wandered to the simple joys of life in our tight-knit community. But at the corner of Main and Townsend, at Demoret Park, something caught my eye. Two individuals stood there, holding handmade signs that decried ICE as "Nazis." The bold accusation against law enforcement officers doing their job piqued my curiosity. I pulled over, hoping for a civil exchange to understand their perspective.

The Barrage of Insults

No sooner had I asked why they equated agents enforcing immigration laws with “Nazis” than the verbal assault began. The shouted calling me a "Fascist!", a "Racist!", followed by a string of profanities I will not repeat. I stood my ground, calmly repeating my questions about the basis for their claims. But their responses were evasive, laced with assumptions about my politics. They painted me as an uninformed right-winger, blind to the Constitution and indifferent to "non-citizens' rights". In that moment, the setting contrasted sharply with their rising tempers, as cars passed and occupants glanced curiously but kept moving as I was parked in the turn lane.

Reflections on Dialogue and the Constitution

Anyone familiar with my work at the Colorado DOGE Report and in the Montrose Mirror, knows I am no stranger to the Constitution. I study it rigorously, weaving its principles into my articles and daily life. Discussions on constitutional matters excite me because they offer fresh insights I might have missed. Learning never stops, especially in law and the Constitution. Yet, these protesters shut down any chance for real talk. They preferred to hurl accusations, perhaps thinking their volume equated to victory. It left me pondering how polarized views stifle growth.

Insights into the Far-Left Approach

This was not just an isolated spat. It mirrored a broader tactic I have observed in the far militant-left: confrontation over conversation. As tensions escalated, they mocked my military service, sneering that it meant little since I had "never killed anyone”. The irony stung. I am sure if my record included combat kills, they would have twisted that against me too. Such dismissals reveal a deeper disdain for those who serve, regardless of the details. In the end, I rode away, reflecting on how echo chambers on both sides of the aisle breed hostility rather than understanding.

Thoughts on ICE Incidents

The protesters' signs were an obvious reference to the recent tragedies in Minnesota, where ICE operations under Operation Metro Surge had turned deadly. Renee Good, was fatally shot by an ICE agent on January 7. She was in her car near an enforcement action when the incident occurred. Then, on January 24, Alex Pretti, was killed by Customs and Border Protection agents during an anti-ICE protest. Video evidence shows he was tackled, disarmed, and shot while restrained on the ground, reportedly after trying to aid another protester.

These deaths were heartbreaking and avoidable. It is telling that such issues flare up predominantly in deep-blue areas like Minneapolis, unlike other regions with similar operations. Both individuals chose to obstruct or intervene in law enforcement activities, but that does not change the tragedy of their death. Many, including some Republicans, have called for transparent investigations, criticizing premature defenses from officials and demanding accountability. Others defend the agents' actions as self-defense in chaotic situations. I stand against excessive force and urge full investigations by the Department of Justice and state authorities to reveal the truth, holding wrongdoers accountable across political lines.

Supporting Fundamental Rights

Despite our differences, I champion the First Amendment's guarantee of “peaceful assembly” as the 1st Amendment provides for all citizens. Every citizen and legal resident merits due process under the law. As I revved my engine and left Demoret Park, the encounter lingered as a reminder: True progress demands dialogue, not division. In a nation as vast as ours, respecting these rights keeps us united, ignoring them divides.

Just one mans humble opinion.   

Michael J Badagliacco, “MJB”

Michael is a father of 5, grandfather of 3, USAF Veteran, recording artist, entrepreneur, Editor of USA Liberty Report, passionate about Freedom, Liberty, the founders’ genius of the Constitution and current Candidate for Montrose City Council. mjb4Montrose.com