At a Denver tattoo shop, politics are more than skin deep
DENVER — Organizers across the state have found many different ways to protest President Donald Trump's sprawling immigration enforcement, but none quite as permanent as a tattoo. Those willing to brave the needle were invited to get pro-immigrant or anti-ICE tattoos at Five Points’ Fallink in Love tattoo shop.
“Tattooing is a form of resistance,” said Tanya Murski, co-organizer of the event and one of the volunteer tattoo artists. “I think there’s such a sense of rage right now that it’s important to channel that energy into something, and art is always a good option for that.”
Fallink in Love offered tattoo designs featuring protest signs, ice cubes, No Kings symbolism and more at a discounted rate. All proceeds went to the Rocky Mountain Immigration Advocacy Network, an organization that provides free legal services to people in immigrant detention. The ink cost anywhere from $100 to $300. Crowds of customers kept the volunteer tattoo artists busy throughout the entirety of the eight-hour event; the shop’s lobby overflowed with people waiting for appointments.
Fallink in Love owner Paul Adams, who operates the shop with his wife, said he helped organize the event in response to the onslaught of challenging news, which Adams believes is designed to make people feel powerless.
“The news is purposefully trying to make us feel overworked and depleted,” Adams said. “Finding a way to take action is really powerful, and throughout today I’ve realized that everyone is really experiencing the same outrage.”
Adams said tattoo shops across the country messaged him, saying the event inspired them to do a similar event in their state. Throughout the day, Adams spoke with clients who said the event gave them an opportunity to speak out against the Trump administration separate from protests or rallies.
“We’ve received a lot of gratitude today,” Adams said. “It feels really good to provide that outlet.”
Protests broke out across the country after federal immigration officers shot and killed Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. In Denver, thousands gathered at La Alma-Lincoln Park and in front of the Colorado Capitol to protest ICE, and many Colorado businesses closed as part of a nationwide general strike Jan. 30.
It has never been more important to support immigrants in Denver, said Haven Marrs, a tattoo fan who was waiting with two friends for their appointments.
“I think ICE is extremely scary, and it feels like a private army that is taking over our communities,” Marrs said. “It’s a really bizarre time to be an American, so I figured there was no better way to combat that than with an anti-ICE tattoo.”
Katy Yacovetta, mid-appointment getting a “Migration is Life” piece on her ankle, said that she grew up in a very conservative environment where tattoos were taboo.
“I have a toddler, and the world we’re leaving for our children to inherit is really awful,” Yacovetta said, pausing to wipe tears from her eyes. “It’s just madness and it can be hard to stay hopeful, but that’s why we do things like this.”
Some of the designs included Hello Kitty holding up an anti-ICE sign, a melting ice cube, whistles and a crossed-out crown.
“I feel like every great movement has symbols that make us feel things,” Murski said. “Carrying a tattoo like this around on your skin reminds you who you want to be, what world you want to be in and where your values lie.”
When it comes to coping with the news these days, Murski finds comfort in mutual rage.
“Most strangers are going to be wonderful people, and most people are just as furious as I am,” Murski said. “It can be easy to believe something different based on what we’re shown, but the reality is that this is a good world and there are good people in it.”
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