Episode 161: Operation Metro Surge Convo with the co-hosts of "Mama You Belong" Podcast

In today’s episode, I chat with Kirsten DesMarias and Molly Hilgenberg, co-hosts of the podcast” Mama You Belong.” Kirsten and Molly live in Minnesota and are here to create an awareness of what is happening with regard to Operation Metro Surge. This episode was recorded Feb 9, 2026 and on Feb 12, 2026, Tom Homan who is leading Operation Metro Surge after Greg Bivino’s removal, reported that “immigration enforcement operation was winding down”, there however remains scepticism that this is happening (1) In the meantime, ICE detention facilities are growing at an alarming rate and as off mid January are reported  73 000 individuals in detention (2). There are emerging allegations of human rights violations, including children in Dilley, TX (3), and 32 reported deaths in detention in 2025 (4)Timeline of the Conversation:1:41 Mama You Belong origin story4:02 What  is happening in MN in the Winter 2026?5:12 Primary Source 1: Mom of Two10:32 Men in Masks18:37 Primary Source 2: Mom from Minnesota21:00 Language matters: Protestors are not Domestic Terrorists21:37 The Constitution and the First Amendment22:00 What is happening in ICE detention centers?25:35 When parents become politicised.30:00 Children growing up in this time.32: 00 Living in the Lie vs the Reality - Vaclav Havel essay on the “Power of the Powerless”34:00 Regulating your nervous system during “Flooding the Zone”38:00 Preparing for mutual aid in your community40: 00 Conclusion with information resources and call to action.@onsitepublicmedia@toussaintmorrison@minneapolisward2@sahanjournal@bygeorgiafort@nekimal@minnesota50501@[email protected]@minnesota_neighbors@standwithminnesota@immigrantlawcentermn@immigrantdefensenetworkStand with Minnesota - Website that consolidates testimonies, resources, and mutual aid opportunities.Resistance Guide - Free web app that helps match you to relief efforts based on your location, time commitment, and level of risk. 5 Calls App - Free app that identifies your elected officials, provides contact information, and scripts. References:1)https://www.startribune.com/alex-pretti-memorial-rally-and-march-will-begin-at-south-minneapolis-park/6015852252)https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/blog/ice-expanding-detention-system/3)https://www.propublica.org/article/ice-dilley-children-letters4) https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/jan/04/ice-2025-deaths-timelineCheck out Mama You Belong Podcast