De-ICE Disco at the Googleplex
When Renee Good and Alex Pretti were murdered, and I saw the incredible courage of people in Minneapolis in the face of state brutality, I had to find some way to show that tech workers stand with Minnesota, even if our leaders don’t. I signed the ICEout petition, and I’d encourage you to do the same. I’ve also been talking to the press about why I signed it, and on the Wired Uncanny Valley podcast Kate Drummond asked what the next steps were for me. Off the cuff I said I wanted an in-person event, but at that point I had no idea what that might be.
As some of you know, I’ve been going to protests at the SF Tesla dealership since March 2025. The energy and solidarity I’ve experienced there has been a big part of what’s kept me going during all the dark times. Once I saw the incredible footage of Seth Todd facing off against federal agents in an inflatable frog costume in October I knew that was a way I could use my natural goofiness to fight what’s happening. I immediately bought the same costume (yes, I know, Amazon) and started attending the Tesla Takedowns in it. It seems to have had an impact, I encourage cars to honk in return for more dancing, and I often have other protestors, kids, and even passing tourists take selfies with me. For me personally, I enjoy finally getting to cosplay as someone 6′ 6”, and as an introvert who enjoys performing, being hidden inside a suit while drawing attention to the cause is perfect.
After the podcast, I realized I wanted to bring some of the energy from the Tesla protests to a tech event. I thought about setting up a meetup, but that felt too boring. Then I remembered how many of my former colleagues at Google have talked to me about wanting to show their support, but are struggling to find ways to have their voice heard without being targeted. Instead of a traditional protest with speeches, slogans, and signups, maybe we could find another way to be visible. I decided to get a few friends together in Charleston Park, a public park next to the Googleplex in Mountain View, and hold a popup dance party. De-ICE Disco sounded good to me, and so after TGIF, between 5pm and 5:30pm on Thursday (February 5th) we’ll be bopping around in inflatable costumes to disco classics. Join us, costume or not, to show ICE we won’t be intimidated, that we’ll protect our neighbors and colleagues when they come, and that we stand with Minneapolis.
I’ve never done anything like this before, but it’s the best way I can think of to show the world that there are Googlers and Xooglers who care, and to recognize the courage of those in Minnesota who are standing up to ICE at great personal risk. De-ICE Disco isn’t an organization, just an idea, and it’s not affiliated with ICEout.tech, but I’m hoping it will be another way to push back against what’s happening to our country. I’d love to see any of you who can make it on Thursday, and please do share with anyone else who might be interested. Let’s fight facism and have fun!
