The Rachel Maddow Show We The People: A conversation with Rachel Maddow and Timothy Snyder
17 snips
Dec 13, 2025 
Historian Timothy Snyder, renowned for his works on authoritarianism, and community leaders Balthazar Enriquez and Pastor Julie Contreras come together to discuss grassroots resistance to tyranny. They spotlight Chicago’s innovative whistle campaign against ICE raids, emphasizing calmness and community organizing. Balthazar shares his story of mobilizing neighborhoods, while Pastor Julie highlights faith-based support for migrants. Snyder warns of the risks of national disintegration and advocates for local action and moral framing in defense of democracy.
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Whistle Sparked A Citywide Movement
- Balthazar Enriquez began wearing a whistle in June to warn undocumented neighbors about ICE presence.
- His small act grew from 13 people to hundreds and sparked citywide whistle brigades.
Organize Practical Local Defenses
- When federal agents threaten a community, organize locally and share practical tactics like whistles and patrols to warn residents.
- Train neighbors to lock doors, carry know-your-rights cards, and patrol schools and streets to protect vulnerable people.
Cities Learn By Example Fast
- Serial federal actions teach other cities how to resist by sharing tactics and networks learned from earlier attacks.
- This learning creates faster, more effective local responses the next time the same tactics are used.
