Conversation with Betsy Gaines Quammen- Extremism & What We Do Now

Extremism expert Betsy Gaines Quammen, PhD on the militia movement and its silence during what’s happening with ICE. Please note that this conversation was from Thursday, January 22, 2026 - before the killing of another person by ICE this weekend. 

Here is a clip of our conversation that compares the reaction of the right to Ruby Ridge, Waco, and the Bundy standoff (Sagebrush Rebellion) to the silence of the overreach of ICE:

Tune into the whole conversation to understand more about the origins of extremism and what we do now. We discussed systemic racism, the lawless actions masked of ICE agents, how we got here, and what we do now. 

Watch the full conversation here:

A few of my takeaways:

• Our constitutional rights are being violated by this Administration.

• White people need to stand up and use their privilege to fight back. No one is safe, as we are seeing in Minnesota. The propaganda of this Administration is rooted in white supremacy and overt racism.

• Members of the “Don’t Tread on Me” crowd have been silent during this ICE occupation of an American city. Employment (some militia members have been hired as ICE agents) and proximity to power mean that many are fine with this Administration’s overreach.

• Distrust of science exploded during the Covid shutdowns resulting in a corresponding erosion of trust in public institutions.

• The lure of extremism is rooted in victimhood. Many extremists are activated online and feel no economic opportunity or hope and want to blame others.

• Creating meaningful, real life friendships with people from different backgrounds and viewpoints is a strong tactic against oppression.

• Creativity and joy are essential in getting through these times.

• Protest matters because it helps create community, inspires others to act, and lets people know they are not alone. And we have a first amendment right to do it!

• Calling your members of Congress preserves the historic record and makes officials go on record for their policy decisions. You may not change their mind, but you will make them do their jobs. 

• Journal what’s happening so history cannot be rewritten and to preserve our collective memory. 

• Support mutual aid - especially in your local community - whether it be to learn how to become a legal observer, support local food banks, and networks in your community.

• Keep speaking up in person, in your community, and on social media. 

• Elections matter, of  course, but we will also need to rebuild from the ashes of this Administration. What are we for? What does a thriving democracy look like now? 

• Justice for human rights and constitutional violations will happen. The timeline is uncertain but we will demand it. Those who are complicit will be held accountable. 

  
  

What Can We Do?

• Know Your Rights.

• Support Mutual Aid.

• Protest.

• Call your Members of Congress.

• Speak up - regularly, clearly, and often. 

• Rethink What Happens After This is Over. 

• Volunteer. 

• Donate.

• Vote. 

• Get involved locally.

• Have a “go kit” ready.

• Memorize friends and family members' phone numbers. 

• Get to know your neighbors. 

• Celebrate joy and creativity. 

• Document everything. 

  
  

Here is a list of resources to support the people of Minnesota, an overview of our constitutional rights when dealing with ICE, a list of national groups working on ICE, and local resources in Montana. 

Community and collective action will get us through these dark times.

Thank you so much to Betsy for sharing her wisdom and historical perspective and to all of you who joined us last night. Follow Betsy and check out her books here to understand more about the American West, extremism, public lands, and democracy.