MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota activist who was charged during an anti-immigration protest at a church released her own video of her arrest, which comes after the White House posted a manipulated image online. The incident has sparked discussion about the representation of protests and governmental accountability.
The White House on Thursday shared an image on their X page depicting civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong in tears with her hands behind her back, captioned with an accusatory tone against her activities. This image was later debunked by Levy Armstrong's own footage, released by her husband, Marques Armstrong, showing a calm yet assertive interaction with federal agents.
The protest at the church, which resulted in her arrest alongside others, was sparked by actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Both Levy Armstrong and another protester were released the next day. While her organization, the Racial Justice Network, confirmed her release, they did not comment further on the situation, highlighting the ongoing tension surrounding such protests.
The video footage shows Levy Armstrong requesting respect and dignity while being handcuffed, challenging the agents about the motivations behind their recording. This is a significant abuse of power, she asserts during the more than seven-minute clip. Her spokesperson later stated that the footage highlights how the Trump administration allegedly manipulated images to influence public perception.
In her audio message from jail, Levy Armstrong claimed, We are being politically persecuted for speaking out against authoritarianism, fascism, and the tyranny of the Trump administration, emphasizing her resolve to continue her activism despite such challenges.
The events surrounding her arrest and the subsequent media portrayal have sparked discussions regarding the integrity of narratives surrounding political activism and the actions of governmental authorities.
