Iconic Actress Delivers Urgent Warning About American Democracy
Molly Ringwald, the beloved actress who defined a generation through films like "Sixteen Candles" and "The Breakfast Club," has broken her silence with a powerful and emotional message to the American public. On Tuesday, Ringwald took to Instagram to publish a video that delivers a grim assessment of the current political climate, specifically targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations and what she describes as a "fascist government."
A Call to Action Following Minneapolis Tragedy
The "Pretty in Pink" star's decision to speak out comes in direct response to recent violent incidents in Minneapolis. Ringwald referenced the death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse who was fatally shot by federal agents during an ICE protest on Saturday. She also mentioned Renee Good, a Minneapolis mother killed by ICE officers earlier this month, whose death sparked the protests where Pretti was participating.
"I feel like I can't stay silent and neither should you," Ringwald began in her video. "There's something horrible, horrible going on in our country right now. And we have one of the greatest countries — had one of the greatest countries in the world. And I've also been so proud to be an American."
Direct Accusations and Historical Parallels
The actress then made her position unmistakably clear: "But right now this is a fascist government. It's not becoming a fascist government. It is a fascist government. And ICE is brutalizing people."
Ringwald, who lived in France during her twenties, drew direct parallels to World War II history to emphasize her warning. She described how French citizens who collaborated with Nazis were later deemed criminals, while those who resisted helped reclaim their country.
"They were taken over by the Nazis. ... And a lot of people collaborated [with the Nazis]," Ringwald said. "And then there were people who did not collaborate, and were part of the resistance. Eventually they got their country back. And those people, who collaborated, were found to be criminal."
Appealing Beyond Political Divisions
The actress made a deliberate effort to transcend typical political boundaries in her message. "I don't care how you identify, if you're a Democrat, if you're a Republican, if you're independent, if you don't like to be political at all — it doesn't matter. You have to look at what kind of country you want to live in," she insisted.
Ringwald specifically highlighted the human cost of current immigration enforcement policies, mentioning Liam Conejo Ramos, a 5-year-old boy sent with his father to a Texas detention center after officers saw him returning home from school. She described children being separated from parents and families grieving loved ones who were "doing nothing except for standing up for what's right."
Emotional Plea for Humanity and Resistance
Becoming visibly emotional, Ringwald made a passionate appeal to basic human decency: "We are human beings, and we cannot forget our humanity. But if you don't care about that, if you only care about yourself, then realize you are going to be seen as a collaborationist, OK?"
The actress warned that those who remain complacent will face historical judgment: "I don't think anybody wants to be on the wrong side of history."
She concluded with an urgent call to action: "So, please, please use your voice and protest. These are children who are being taken away from their parents. These are mothers who are being killed. These are fathers, these are ICU nurses, these are people that are good people."
Ringwald described ICE officers as having "forgotten that they are human beings and they have become monsters," while imploring viewers: "Please don't let yourself become like that."
A Final Appeal to Empathy and Conscience
The actress ended her message by asking Americans to consider the victims' perspectives: "We all have people who love us. And we love people. I mean, I hope that we love people! I certainly do. Please do the right thing and stand up, and use your voice."
Ringwald's video represents a significant departure from her usual public persona, marking one of the most politically charged statements from a major 1980s film icon in recent memory. Her message combines personal experience, historical analogy, and emotional appeal to create what she clearly intends as a wake-up call to the nation.
