A small Montana community never thought the crackdown would come for one of their own. But for them, politics never mattered as much as a neighbor they loved.
Thank you Adam. There are many a day that lean on the words from Margaret Meade like so many of us that stand in solidarity to defy this regime weekly if not daily.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has"
This is exactly the problem with the current system and why it is so broken right now. They talk about deaths in Houston and Maine, and it is so sad because these immigration officers just destroying families who trying to survive. We was loyal allies to America but the government broke their promises and left us behind in danger, and now they doing the same to good people like Roberto who helps his whole community. It is crazy how a town that voted for Trump three times now have to struggle with the truth because they know Roberto is a good man who coaches youth and fixes their buses
One of many shameful chapters in the history of this country but in the very specific case of Mr. Ramirez, the People and the system worked albeit this is definitely a unique circumstance!
This is genuinely great news. It shouldn't take knowing someone personally to remember we're talking about human beings — but let's celebrate the win. Just don't forget the cruelty behind it, courtesy of Trump and Stephen Miller.
Most of us agree: deport criminals. But we also need immigrant labor, and the best path forward is citizenship for people like Roberto Orozco-Ramirez. Here's hoping Froid's outpouring of humanity reaches him too.
There really is no way to legal residency with TPS, failed asylum claims (I think that about 80 percent), DACA. That's a huge problem. Of course, anyone could see that there weren't enough "violent criminals" to warrant the purported mass deportations and huge ICE budget.
I’m married to a Mexican. My MEGA family members want Trump’s ICE to arrest and deport all Mexicans—-except my wife. They say she’s an exception. They say that she’s not like the others. Have they considered that maybe the others are like her? They miss the irony of it unfortunately.
“It is easy to be hard on the people you will never meet…” That’s so true, on both sides. What a good story to ponder first thing on a Sunday. Thank you for this.
I’m an immigrant who received a full academic scholarship and graduated from college then joined the military. Served my country for 25 years and retired as a Colonel. In the past 2 years I’ve had so many people look at me like I was a dirty plate and tell me to get out of their country! This story made me think that we still have a chance to get rid of this fascist and his band of criminals who have violated/stepped on the constitution. Run for president!
You are more of a true American and patriot. Ignore and dismiss those pathetic people who don’t appreciate how you’ve served this country so well. They’re not worth it!
I'm so sorry. I know that's not enough. Each of us must speak out and take action against this. I know I will. And thank you for being a shining example of what a true American should be.
I am just so ashamed that you have had to endure this abhorrent behavior. Thank you for your service to what is now our struggling country. (Where did you serve? My dear ex - still friends- is a retired Colonel as well.) And yes. our top priority is the removal of the evil 'band of criminals' (including the one in OUR House) so we can rebuild. (And I think Adam would be a fabulous president as well.):)
Thank you for your service sir. I feel for you having to see any disrespect in anyone’s eyes simply for how you look. Know that there are many of us out here that do not have any of these vile feelings and don’t need a Montana towns sudden self revelation of empathy to do what’s right because he’s one of their own. It’s fighting for strangers we don’t know that proves our value as a community far and wide.
I'm a Montanan and a former Republican who now calls herself an Independent. The people of Froid coming together and advocating for someone in this country "illegally" is nothing short of a miracle. I have seen the hate in action here in Montana. I have seen it directed at me and my husband (who are as white and American as we can be). The dirty looks at the local pizza parlor when a MAGAN overhears our conversation about Trump or ICE. The not so casual move of hand to their hip to let us know they are carrying. I don't live in Froid, but I'll bet it's the same there. In their minds, it's different when it happens to someone they have known for decades. Someone who is "useful" to them. Someone they didn't know was "illegal." Yes, it was heartwarming to see them rally around Roberto. To see them stand up to one of the atrocities of this administration. They defended someone who is "one of their own." But I doubt that they will stand up for anyone else. I don't think this incident was a spark that will ignite their fury to the point that they will advocate for other immigrants (legal and otherwise) that are hauled out of their homes or businesses or randomly targeted on the street because of the color of their skin. It happens here all the time. Sadly, the Froidians will probably go back to life as normal. Roberto will repair their engines, coach their kids, and most residents of Froid would vote for Donald Trump again if they could.
As a 3rd generation Montanan that is why we need to vote for the amendment to stop dark money from large corporations deciding who will fill our seats in Congress and state government. Gov. Gianforte is a millionaire from New Jersey, Sen. Daines is a millionaire, and Sen. Sheehy, is one of the top ten wealthiest members of Congress. They are all complicit in ruining our great state and bowing to tRUMP, the nonrenewable fossil fuel industries, and commodifying fish & wildlife, and opening up our precious roadless lands and wildernesses to the highest bidder. Can Seth Bodner, former UM president running as an independent candidate win to replace Sen. Daines?
That thought is profoundly sad. I am waiting for November before giving up hope. If the people like these in towns all across America support the Republican Party in November it will be truly awful. I don't expect them to go democratic but at least they can sit home and not vote for the Republicans.
Yes, it is sad. I'm not giving up hope either. It would surprise a lot of people to know that Montana was historically a purple state not that long ago (think Jon Tester, Steve Bullock). I know many people who were born here that are Democrats. After covid, a lot of people started to move to Montana from other states. Many of them were MAGA who moved here thinking that they had found political paradise. Now we are overrun with them, and they empowered those that were already here. The good news is that I'm starting to see a slow roll back to the middle. Hopefully the Zinkes, Daines, and Gianfortes will become a thing of the past come November.
You are probably right. It is racial bias and hatred of others because they look "different." The nazis used it to great affect against the Jews and other ethnic minorities. Trump and his administration are the new nazis.
MAGA is similar to Nazism in that way. For whatever reason they are terrified that there will be more of them than more of the white race. And so what if that happens.
THIS 💯. Thank you for posting as a Montanan and saving me my rant to point out the underlying hypocrisy and intellectual laziness or ignorance whichever it is that gets them to the place of seeing Roberto as a person to protect but all those others strangers aren’t.
Froid is French for cold. But the people are WARM!
I wonder if this will affect the voting of any of them going forward. The reality of the cruelty of this administration
I hope so. Or at least bring home the reality of the humans on the other side
YES YES .. one step and one person at a time. A very poignant story for 250 years old America. I will be sharing this as best as I can.
I do hope everyone commenting here has done the same.
I lived in MT for several years. The people there are good people. I can't figure out why they vote Republican. It wasn't always that way.
Thanks Kathe, you make a good point
If they were warm they would not have voted for Trump. They only care if it’s affecting them. Not because they are moral.
Seems to be the Republican way these days....
This 💯
I had the same thought. What a sweet town. Nice to know the America we once knew is alive and well❤️
I love this! Thank you Adam.
I do too. We need good news
Thank you Adam. There are many a day that lean on the words from Margaret Meade like so many of us that stand in solidarity to defy this regime weekly if not daily.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has"
YES THANK you. Sharing and keeping.
This is exactly the problem with the current system and why it is so broken right now. They talk about deaths in Houston and Maine, and it is so sad because these immigration officers just destroying families who trying to survive. We was loyal allies to America but the government broke their promises and left us behind in danger, and now they doing the same to good people like Roberto who helps his whole community. It is crazy how a town that voted for Trump three times now have to struggle with the truth because they know Roberto is a good man who coaches youth and fixes their buses
This will be a shameful chapter in the books. Like japanese internment
One of many shameful chapters in the history of this country but in the very specific case of Mr. Ramirez, the People and the system worked albeit this is definitely a unique circumstance!
I don't know if the community's singular response to this one man will have an effect on his legal status or detention, though.
This is genuinely great news. It shouldn't take knowing someone personally to remember we're talking about human beings — but let's celebrate the win. Just don't forget the cruelty behind it, courtesy of Trump and Stephen Miller.
Most of us agree: deport criminals. But we also need immigrant labor, and the best path forward is citizenship for people like Roberto Orozco-Ramirez. Here's hoping Froid's outpouring of humanity reaches him too.
Dan, simple and smart. You should run for congress:)
I couldn't agree more with every word that you have written. 💙💕
There really is no way to legal residency with TPS, failed asylum claims (I think that about 80 percent), DACA. That's a huge problem. Of course, anyone could see that there weren't enough "violent criminals" to warrant the purported mass deportations and huge ICE budget.
This is the America I know, and love and support. We the People will continue to survive
We will be ok, I genuniely believe that. But there is still more damage to come
Best essay I have read in a long, long time.. thank you Adam!
Thank you for reading and sharing!
I’m married to a Mexican. My MEGA family members want Trump’s ICE to arrest and deport all Mexicans—-except my wife. They say she’s an exception. They say that she’s not like the others. Have they considered that maybe the others are like her? They miss the irony of it unfortunately.
I love this! I wish more people would think like this! Thank you Adam for sharing this heartwarming story!
You bet
Joyful Sunday morning post to share. Thank you, Adam, for reminding me there is still an America out there that I have known and loved.
Sure is!
“It is easy to be hard on the people you will never meet…” That’s so true, on both sides. What a good story to ponder first thing on a Sunday. Thank you for this.
These are the things that make me proud to be an American. People helping people. Doesn’t matter who, just whoever needs help. ♥️
Thank you for sharing this story, Adam. It lifts my spirits!
I’m an immigrant who received a full academic scholarship and graduated from college then joined the military. Served my country for 25 years and retired as a Colonel. In the past 2 years I’ve had so many people look at me like I was a dirty plate and tell me to get out of their country! This story made me think that we still have a chance to get rid of this fascist and his band of criminals who have violated/stepped on the constitution. Run for president!
You are more of a true American and patriot. Ignore and dismiss those pathetic people who don’t appreciate how you’ve served this country so well. They’re not worth it!
Thank you for serving our country and for being a decent human being. I for one am glad you are here.
I'm so sorry. I know that's not enough. Each of us must speak out and take action against this. I know I will. And thank you for being a shining example of what a true American should be.
I am just so ashamed that you have had to endure this abhorrent behavior. Thank you for your service to what is now our struggling country. (Where did you serve? My dear ex - still friends- is a retired Colonel as well.) And yes. our top priority is the removal of the evil 'band of criminals' (including the one in OUR House) so we can rebuild. (And I think Adam would be a fabulous president as well.):)
Thank you for your service sir. I feel for you having to see any disrespect in anyone’s eyes simply for how you look. Know that there are many of us out here that do not have any of these vile feelings and don’t need a Montana towns sudden self revelation of empathy to do what’s right because he’s one of their own. It’s fighting for strangers we don’t know that proves our value as a community far and wide.
Thank you! Let’s still feel for all the Roberto’s now formerly living here. 🙏
This story was much needed! Thank you for sharing it, Adam!
I'm a Montanan and a former Republican who now calls herself an Independent. The people of Froid coming together and advocating for someone in this country "illegally" is nothing short of a miracle. I have seen the hate in action here in Montana. I have seen it directed at me and my husband (who are as white and American as we can be). The dirty looks at the local pizza parlor when a MAGAN overhears our conversation about Trump or ICE. The not so casual move of hand to their hip to let us know they are carrying. I don't live in Froid, but I'll bet it's the same there. In their minds, it's different when it happens to someone they have known for decades. Someone who is "useful" to them. Someone they didn't know was "illegal." Yes, it was heartwarming to see them rally around Roberto. To see them stand up to one of the atrocities of this administration. They defended someone who is "one of their own." But I doubt that they will stand up for anyone else. I don't think this incident was a spark that will ignite their fury to the point that they will advocate for other immigrants (legal and otherwise) that are hauled out of their homes or businesses or randomly targeted on the street because of the color of their skin. It happens here all the time. Sadly, the Froidians will probably go back to life as normal. Roberto will repair their engines, coach their kids, and most residents of Froid would vote for Donald Trump again if they could.
As a 3rd generation Montanan that is why we need to vote for the amendment to stop dark money from large corporations deciding who will fill our seats in Congress and state government. Gov. Gianforte is a millionaire from New Jersey, Sen. Daines is a millionaire, and Sen. Sheehy, is one of the top ten wealthiest members of Congress. They are all complicit in ruining our great state and bowing to tRUMP, the nonrenewable fossil fuel industries, and commodifying fish & wildlife, and opening up our precious roadless lands and wildernesses to the highest bidder. Can Seth Bodner, former UM president running as an independent candidate win to replace Sen. Daines?
I think Bodner has a good chance. The candidate running against him on the Democratic ticket needs to bow out. Then he'd have a REAL chance!
That thought is profoundly sad. I am waiting for November before giving up hope. If the people like these in towns all across America support the Republican Party in November it will be truly awful. I don't expect them to go democratic but at least they can sit home and not vote for the Republicans.
Yes, it is sad. I'm not giving up hope either. It would surprise a lot of people to know that Montana was historically a purple state not that long ago (think Jon Tester, Steve Bullock). I know many people who were born here that are Democrats. After covid, a lot of people started to move to Montana from other states. Many of them were MAGA who moved here thinking that they had found political paradise. Now we are overrun with them, and they empowered those that were already here. The good news is that I'm starting to see a slow roll back to the middle. Hopefully the Zinkes, Daines, and Gianfortes will become a thing of the past come November.
With you.
You are probably right. It is racial bias and hatred of others because they look "different." The nazis used it to great affect against the Jews and other ethnic minorities. Trump and his administration are the new nazis.
MAGA is similar to Nazism in that way. For whatever reason they are terrified that there will be more of them than more of the white race. And so what if that happens.
Yep.
THIS 💯. Thank you for posting as a Montanan and saving me my rant to point out the underlying hypocrisy and intellectual laziness or ignorance whichever it is that gets them to the place of seeing Roberto as a person to protect but all those others strangers aren’t.
It makes me want to bang my head against the wall!