Anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement activists in Minneapolis are setting up blockades. They’re demanding ID from drivers. In short, they’re setting up their own borders—against America’s laws and law enforcement. It’s not the first time “protesters” have done this. Activists inspired by Black Lives Matter seized control over a portion of Seattle six years ago and christened their conquest the “Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone” (CHAZ) or “Capitol Hill Occupation Protest” (CHOP). A black teenager, Antonio Mays Jr., was shot and killed by what the Seattle-area ABC affiliate KOMO News calls “civilian guards who were acting as CHOP security.” Let that sink in: “Protesters” took over part of a major city and deputized thugs to replace police. That caused a young man’s death—a crime for which no one has been arrested, though last month a jury held the city of Seattle liable to the tune of $30.5 million for Mays’ slaying. The city wasn’t enforcing the law—it allowed “protesters” to establish their own law—yet now it’s the city’s taxpayers who are on the hook for what the CHAZ activists brought about. Whether the scene is Minneapolis today or Seattle six years ago, what’s happening in America’s cities is not just a revolt against law enforcement—it’s an attempt to establish different laws, different borders, and a different kind of government, not through anything like a democratic electoral process but by directly seizing power in the streets. Why isn’t Mays given the martyr treatment that George Floyd Jr., Renee Good, and Alex Pretti have received? The latter three died while resisting arrest or interfering with officers of the law—Mays was a victim of what fills the vacuum left by the absence of law and legitimate police. The anti-ICE activists who are checking IDs and setting up roadblocks in Minneapolis, without a shred of legal authority to do so, have been depicted by sympathizers in the media as harmless citizen activists.Yet even a report by Minnesota Public Radio acknowledges these people are putting others’ lives in danger. “When streets are blocked, it slows our response and limits access to critical resources,” Minneapolis interim Fire Chief Melanie Rucker told MPR News. “Every second matters when lives are on the line.” There’s a word for what the protesters in Minneapolis are doing, a word the liberals themselves like to bandy about, but only when they can use it against President Donald Trump. That word is “insurrection.” That’s what the CHAZ/CHOP was, and it’s what’s underway in Minneapolis. The difference between these operations and the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters is Jan. 6 would have been much worse had the rioters had the kind of disciplined organization—not to mention supportive press coverage—of the anti-cop and anti-ICE seditionists in Seattle and Minneapolis. ICE’s liberal critics have a basic problem: They like to claim they have procedural legal objections to the way immigration law is being enforced. Yet they can hardly say they’re for the rule of law when not only are the “protesters” they champion behaving as a law unto themselves in Minneapolis, but the very cause that unites them is illegal immigration. Libertarians, unfortunately, are often the biggest hypocrites of all, insisting that they are more principled than conservatives who support Trump, when in fact they are proudly unprincipled where the rule of law is concerned—they don’t believe the nation’s drug laws or immigration laws should be enforced, and they encourage flouting those laws. Yet without the distinction between citizens and aliens, there can be no popular self-government. Perversely enough, the street activists in Minneapolis and Seattle acknowledge this when they set up their own internal borders and identity checks—they consider America’s law-enforcement agencies aliens and enemies. The anti-ICE movement has occasionally tried to wrap itself in the American flag, claiming that resisting federal law enforcement within our country is the same as resisting the redcoats in the American Revolution. But the point of the American Revolution was to win self-government for Americans—the ability to live under laws of our own making as citizens, not laws made for the benefit of foreign interests. There is a parallel between the Revolution and what’s taking place in our cities today, but it’s not the comparison the anti-ICE activists want to draw. They are, after all, trying to overthrow the laws of the United States of America for the benefit of people who are not Americans. There are indeed various procedural and other arguments that can be made in defense of illegal aliens, but those are matters for the courts and the political system, not activist mobs, to decide. What the Minneapolis activists are proving is that the immigration fight isn’t just about immigration. It’s about who rules—we, the American people, or they, the activists in the streets? COPYRIGHT 2026 CREATORS.COM We publish a variety of perspectives. Nothing written here is to be construed as representing the views of The Daily Signal.  The post Why Are Anti-ICE Activists Building Borders? appeared first on The Daily Signal.

Vice President JD Vance took issue with a Fox News poll showing a majority of voters preferring Democrats to Republicans in the upcoming November 2026 midterms. “As much as we love Fox News, we always think Fox News has the worst polling, me and the president agree on that,” Vance told Fox News anchor Martha MacCallum in an interview Tuesday afternoon.  “We’re still digging out of the hole the Democrats put us in,” Vance added. ? JUST IN: JD Vance SLAMS Fox News' polling for being too pro-Democrat while on the network"This number would not be good for the majority."VANCE: "As much as we love Fox, we ALWAYS think Fox has the worst polling. Me and the president agree on that. Sorry! IT'S TRUE." ? pic.twitter.com/umORVgXcMB— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) February 17, 2026 A recent Fox News poll released late January showed Democrats leading Republicans in the generic ballot by a margin of 52%-46%. The vice president noted that while he and President Donald Trump have accomplished much in their first year in office, more time is needed to undo the impacts of the Biden administration.   “If you go back to the Biden administration, the average American lost about $3,000 in take-home pay during the four years that Democrats were in charge. In the first year of the Trump administration, average Americans have gained about $1,200,” Vance told MacCallum.   “If you’re looking at it from the perspective of the last year, Americans have done better. If you’re looking at it from the perspective of the Biden administration, we’re still digging out of the hole the Democrats put us in,” Vance continued.   VP VANCE on negotiations with Iran: "One thing about the negotiation I will say this morning is, in some ways it went well. They agreed to meet afterwards, but in other ways it was very clear that the president has set some red lines that the Iranians are not yet willing to… pic.twitter.com/AbgH9t3lY0— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 17, 2026 Vance says that Americans are going to receive “long-term dividends” from the work the administration has done.   The vice president suggested the winning messaging that Republicans need to focus on are the $18 trillion made towards new investments. “That’s factories being built, built, that’s wages going up,” he said.   He also mentioned a 20% reduction in murder rates, a secure border, and the deportations of criminal illegal aliens. “There’s still so much to do, and I think it’s up to us, it’s up to me, it’s up to the president, it’s up to the entire team to make the argument to the American people that we’ve made your life better, and if you give us another couple of years of Republican governance, we can keep on building upon that record,” Vance concluded.   The post Vance Rejects Midterm Poll; GOP ‘Still Digging Out of the Hole the Democrats Put Us In’ appeared first on The Daily Signal.

At the Munich Security Conference over the weekend, all eyes were on the global powers. One of the headlines from the conference was a comment made by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Answering a question at the Munich Security Forum, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi warned Japan against what he called the ghosts of militarism. As the biggest victim of Japan’s wars of aggression in the 19th century, it’s understandable that the Chinese are nervous about Japan rearming. However, Japan’s current political culture is worlds apart from what it was in the 1930s. Wang’s warnings are less about past grievances and more about modern-day issues. China views Taiwan as a renegade province, and any perceived effort to interfere with reunification is seen as a threat to Chinese security. While Wang clearly hopes to intimidate Japan, his remarks may backfire and embolden the American ally. The United States should capitalize on this by strengthening its alliances in East Asia.  Japan is still a pacifist country and, despite its recent efforts to rearm, has not expressed interest in wars of aggression or conquest. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s comments that Japan considers Taiwan’s security to be in its national interest come in the context of repeated threats and incursions by China toward Taiwan. China’s history of threatening neighbors calls into question Wang’s sincerity. When China threatens Taiwan, the Philippines, India, or any other country, it’s perfectly fine. When Japan stands up to China’s aggression, it’s dangerous militarism. A more realistic read into Wang’s comments is that they are meant to intimidate Japan out of intervening in an invasion of Taiwan. However, China should not be confident that intimidation will be effective. Their recent efforts to admonish Takaichi resulted in the Japanese electorate rewarding her Liberal Democratic Party with a large majority in this month’s election. Perhaps the Chinese should think twice before threatening the Japanese prime minister. China’s aggressive diplomacy has proved effective against smaller nations. Vietnam, the Philippines, and many other nations in the Indo-Pacific have been unable to stop Chinese incursions into their Exclusive Economic Zones. Why should Americans care about what China does in East Asia? For starters, the U.S. economy is heavily dependent on Taiwan for the production of advanced computer chips used in various technologies, including military equipment. While the Trump administration aims to expand chip production in the U.S., it will take years before domestic production can meet demand. In the meantime, the U.S. needs to make sure Taiwan remains free from Chinese conquest. A strong U.S. alliance in East Asia, highlighted by Japan, would give China second thoughts about making a move on Taiwan. Another reason why Americans should care about East Asia is how the rest of the world responds if the U.S. fails to act in the case of Chinese aggression. If the U.S. doesn’t uphold commitments to allies in the region, hostile powers in other parts of the world may think the US won’t react to other provocations around the world. Leading to more conflict globally, not less. A reenergized Japan could band together with smaller nations to push back against Chinese intimidation. A strong Japan allows the U.S. to spread the burden of defense, especially important given American commitments elsewhere. Takaichi’s goal is to increase military spending and amend the constitution to allow Japan’s military to play a more active role in defending other nations, such as deploying troops to defend Taiwan in case of a Chinese invasion. The U.S. should consider further sales of military equipment to the Japanese Self-Defense Forces to make sure Japan is prepared to take a larger role in the region. China has its eyes on Taiwan, as it has for decades. For Wang and the rest of the CCP, taking Taiwan is an imperative. The rise of a strong Japanese government, willing to defend Taiwan, complicates China’s goals. To ensure the national security of itself and its allies, the United States should assist Taiwan and Japan in their efforts to rearm. We publish a variety of perspectives. Nothing written here is to be construed as representing the views of The Daily Signal. The post Here’s Why a Strong Japan is Key to Peace in East Asia appeared first on The Daily Signal.

A Georgia teacher is dead after an illegal alien ran a red light while fleeing Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and crashed his car into her vehicle.  The fatal crash occured in Savannah, Georgia. The Chatham County Police Department has charged Oscar Vasquez Lopez, an illegal alien from Guatemala, with first-degree homicide by vehicle, reckless driving, failure to obey a traffic control device, and driving without a valid license, according to WTOC 11. ICE agents first saw Vasquez Lopez enter a vehicle and attempted to perform a traffic stop, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Vasquez Lopez initially appeared to comply, but video posted by local news WTOC 11 appears to show him speeding away in his vehicle with authorities in pursuit. He attempted to make a U-turn and ran a red light, crashing into Linda Davis, a Savannah teacher. Local police responded to the accident, and Davis was taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead, according to WTOC. Vasquez Lopez sustained minor injuries. Vasquez Lopez entered the U.S. at an unknown date and location, according to the Department of Homeland Security. A federal judge issued him a final order of removal in 2024. Oscar Vasquez Lopez. (Courtesy of DHS) “This vehicular homicide is an absolute tragedy and a deadly consequence of politicians and the media constantly demonizing ICE officers and encouraging those here illegally to resist arrest—a felony,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin says. “These dangerous tactics are putting people’s lives at risk,” McLaughlin added. “Fleeing from and resisting federal law enforcement is not only a crime but extraordinarily dangerous and puts oneself, our officers, and innocent civilians at risk. Now, an innocent bystander has lost their life.” DHS is calling on politicians and elected leaders to stop using any anti-ICE rhetoric or encouraging Americans or illegal aliens to resist ICE officers. During a hearing on Capitol Hill last week, Rep. Shri Thanedar, D-Mich., referred to ICE agents as “thugs”; Rep. Daniel Goldman, D-N.Y., referred to ICE tactics as “outright fascist”; Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., accused acting ICE Director Todd Lyons of having “blood” on his hands and asked him if he believes he is “going to hell”; and Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Ill., called DHS a “weapon,” arguing the entire department should be “dismantled.” The office of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., recently hosted a webinar titled “Know Your Rights,” during which Genia Blaser, a lawyer with the Immigrant Defense Project, called ICE operations “political tactics,” the New York Post reports. The increase in anti-ICE rhetoric follows the Trump administration’s immigration operation in Minneapolis, during which a Border Patrol agent shot and killed Alex Pretti, 37, on Jan. 24, and an ICE agent shot and killed Renee Good, also 37, on Jan. 7. President Donald Trump deployed Border czar Tom Homan to Minneapolis after Pretti’s death to take over the operation. Homan met with state and local leaders, including local law enforcement, and says cooperation with federal authorities has increased, leading Homan to announce an end to the operation last week. Despite the criticism, Homeland Security officials and Homan say ICE will continue to conduct targeted operations on criminal illegal aliens. The post Illegal Alien Flees ICE, Kills Teacher in Crash  appeared first on The Daily Signal.

Young People Address the Nation, a campaign that “hosts actions in response to moments that lack perspectives from young people,” has called on members of Congress to boycott President Donald Trump’s upcoming State of the Union address. In a call to action obtained by The Daily Signal on Monday, Young People Address the Nation, which falls under the umbrella of the non-profit organization Amplify Pledge, urged lawmakers “who consider themselves defenders of democratic institutions” to boycott the address scheduled for Feb. 24. The group also urged lawmakers to assert “Congress’s constitutional role as a check on executive power,” and “demand transparency and accountability in immigration enforcement and Department of Homeland Security operations.” “Young people are not asking for symbolic statements,” Young People Address the Nation Executive Producer Dillon St. Bernard wrote in the communique. “When constitutional norms and civil liberties are in question, pretending this is business as usual sends the wrong message. If lawmakers believe democratic guardrails are being tested, they should not lend legitimacy through ceremony.” Young People Address the Nation writes that their call comes amid “ongoing ICE enforcement operations,” the expansion of “detention practices,” and “mounting concerns over due process.” The organization also mentioned the “high-stakes standoff in Congress over DHS funding” as a reason for their protest demands. In addition to their call for a boycott, the organization will also hold a “digital rapid response” during the address, featuring young online personalities and “civic leaders” nationwide who will provide “commentary, fact-checking, and youth-centered analysis.” Amplify Pledge did not respond to The Daily Signal’s request for comment. While no members of Congress have said they will not attend the Feb. 24 address, many have sought to take action against ICE. In January, Rep. Shri Thanedar, D-Mich., introduced the Abolish ICE Act to “fundamentally change the way we approach immigration.” JUST IN: Rep. Shri Thanedar announces he’s introducing a bill to ABOLISH ICE ? pic.twitter.com/TeMBVkxPFW— Bruce Snyder (@realBruceSnyder) January 14, 2026 “Beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, no Federal funds may be made available to carry out any of the functions, duties, or responsibilities assigned or delegated to the Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” his bill reads in part. The post Gen Z Activist Group Calls for Congress to Boycott Trump’s State of the Union appeared first on The Daily Signal.