MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota civil rights activist, Nekima Levy Armstrong, filmed her own arrest and released the footage following a controversial image posted by the White House. The photo showed Levy Armstrong in distress during her arrest at a church protest against immigration enforcement.
On Thursday, the White House shared an edited image of Levy Armstrong on social media, captioned with accusations of her being a far-left agitator responsible for riots. In contrast, Levy Armstrong's footage, filmed by her husband, portrays a different narrative, where she engages respectfully with federal agents while complying with their orders.
Levy Armstrong was detained during an anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protest at a church, which also disrupted a church service led by an ICE official. Released shortly thereafter, she rejects the characterization presented by the White House, stating that it is part of a broader political assault on dissent.
This is a significant abuse of power, she declared in the footage, addressing the agents involved. The video captures her calm demeanor during the arrest, contradicting the narrative suggested by the widely shared image.
In an audio message released afterward, Levy Armstrong described the manipulation of her image as politically motivated, asserting her commitment to fighting against what she terms the oppressive practices of the Trump administration.
As discussions surrounding immigration policy and civil liberties intensify, Levy Armstrong's case underscores the tensions between activism and government portrayal of dissent.
