We sat down with LOVB Houston and AU Pro Volleyball star Jordan Thompson to discuss her experience with federal agents in her home state of Minnesota. Read on to learn about Jordan’s activism, heart, and why she believes Minnesotans won’t back down.

TOGETHXR: You have a long-standing history of advocating for others on your social media platforms. When did that originate for you, and why do you want to use your platform to speak out? 

JT: I feel like the first time that I can remember is probably around 2020, when George Floyd was murdered. That was another incident that happened in Minnesota, where I grew up, in the streets where I would bike around with my friends and stuff. I've always had a heart to help others in any way I can, and I felt like, as an athlete with a platform, that was kind of the perfect way to use that space and be a voice for others. For people who are maybe scared to speak out or don't feel like they have a voice to do so, and so I really wanted to amplify other voices, and people who maybe don't feel as seen, or for more in the shadows, and then also just speak on things that are really important to me, and obviously, really near to my heart, especially being from Minnesota. So, probably when George Floyd was murdered was the first time that I can remember that I really started using the platform that I have. 

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TOGETHXR: You mentioned that you grew up in Minnesota, in these streets — this is all directly impacting the community that you know and love. How did growing up in Minnesota impact who you are today, both as an athlete and as a person outside of sports? 

JT: People always talk about “Minnesota Nice”, and I feel like that's really true. People are really kind and want to look out for each other and help each other. I feel like that's how I was raised and the values instilled in me. I've carried that with me wherever I've gone, and... it's just something I try to live out on a daily basis. Coming from Minnesota, starting my volleyball career there for club and high school, I was definitely aware that there weren't many girls who looked like me in the sport, especially in that area. I'm sure there are others who feel the same, in the spaces that they exist in. As somebody who's gotten a platform and has an audience to speak to — how can I continue to amplify those voices? I was really lucky with the people in my life, who poured into me, and supported me as a young player. I really wanted to be able to give that back to others, which is why I do things like camps with Under Armour and just trying to provide opportunity and access. That’s also shaped my perspective of the world.

TOGETHXR: For those who haven't seen your post about your experience at the Whipple Building, can you describe what happened and what you were feeling before, during, and after your experience there? 

JT: Before Renee Good was murdered, I knew I was going to have two days off, so I was just excited to go home and see my family. Then once all that was happening, I was like, “Wow, thank God, I had this opportunity to go home, because I want to go out, protest, and use my voice.” When I got home, my stepmom said she wanted to go to a protest, but didn't know where and didn't want to go alone, and my little sister did too. We had heard that people were going to the Whipple Center, and we thought that'd be a great place to use our voices. We had seen, obviously, ICE agents using force against peaceful protesters. But... again, it’s one of those things where you think, “Oh, that's probably not gonna happen to us”. We figured that going somewhere [Whipple] was probably a safer option. 

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When we were there, it was very peaceful. There was an attorney who was speaking on the megaphone, pleading with the officers. He was telling them, “It's not too late to do the right thing”. And I thought, “Wow, this is really powerful”. Hopefully, for the officers hearing this, but also for me, I had so much anger and frustration. I thought about how we need to use anger in a positive way, but there's also this side of compassion… Maybe speaking to the ICE agents who are doing this stuff — maybe it could be a wake-up call to them. If you’re like, “Hey, what you're doing is actually really harmful,” and having that conversation… I thought maybe that could be impactful, coming from an attorney who has clients in the detention center. That was really moving, and I felt really empowered to stand there with so many other people from Minnesota and use our voices to speak for those who maybe don't have a voice at this time. 

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We were standing there, and there were just two squad cars. Next thing you know, agents came out, and I assumed they were switching shifts or something. But then more and more came. I thought it was weird, but again, we weren’t thinking too much of it. They didn't say anything [to us]. 

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All of a sudden, there were two large groups of ICE agents that formed, started walking fast, and then running towards us. I looked to my right and  saw one agent with a flashbang. I’ve never had a flashbang thrown at me, and it looked like a grenade — the way they took the little ring out of it. As soon as I saw that, the first flashbang explosion went off right next to us, and I immediately screamed. 

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Obviously, I was terrified. It was very disorienting. You don't know what the eff is happening. And then, yeah, they just kept throwing them. They started running at people, with guns, and chasing different people in the crowd. I don't know how they were targeting people, or what the point was. I assume that probably everybody there is a U.S. citizen — it would be a dangerous place to go protesting if you’re undocumented. 

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There was no warning, there was nothing. You could just hear people yelling at them, like “Why are you doing this?” “Leave us alone!” “Get out of Minnesota!” It was just really sad because… These are our constitutional rights that they’re violating. There were newscasters and stuff there, too, and they were still so out in public about it. A lot of people were recording… They aren't trying to hide the intimidation tactics. I think that's very telling, and honestly, even more scary, because they just don't seem to care. 

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Afterward, we were really freaked out. My stepmom thought they were shooting at us. I didn't know what was going on at first. We felt this initial shock, and then it was just anger. We know that worse is happening to people, too. That’s terrifying. And then, obviously, you see the murder of Alex Pretti, and… it doesn't matter if you're undocumented, born here, legally carrying a firearm… none of it matters. At this point, it doesn't matter if you're black, brown, white — anything. It was definitely scary. It's sad because now you have to tell people who are peacefully protesting to be careful. We are being careful, but you can't control the actions of others, and unfortunately, the government doesn't seem to really care right now.

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TOGETHXR: What did it feel like, after you'd just had that experience, and knowing that everyone in your community is experiencing trauma from this, to have to go back into playing your sport?

JT: It was the weirdest thing ever, because we went to the protest on our way to the airport. My family was dropping me off. We thought we’d leave early and stop [at Whipple], because it was right next to the airport. 

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TOGETHXR: So you had to get on the plane directly after getting flashbangs thrown at you? 

JT: Yeah. I was just sitting on the plane in shock, like, what just happened? I got back to Houston. The next morning, I went to practice, and I just... I remember moving through the day feeling so bizarre. I experienced that, and again — that isn't the worst of what's happening. People in Minnesota are experiencing it daily — feeling terrified to go to work, or leave their house… But at the same time, I have to keep going to work. I don't know how to describe it, except for that it's just really bizarre. It doesn't feel right. I think part of me was also frustrated. I know if I lived in Minnesota, I would be out there as much as possible. At least I can use my platform to speak out, find organizations to donate to, and try to support from afar.

TOGETHXR: Obviously, this is all very heavy and takes a mental and emotional toll — especially knowing that it's your home community. How are you staying afloat right now? Has anything in your routine changed that's helped you reconcile still having to go back to Houston and play? 

JT: I've had a lot of support and people checking in, asking how my family is doing and how things are going there from my team and staff. Everybody's super supportive. I've even had teammates text me and ask which organizations to donate to. I felt a lot of support — there are so many people around me, in my close circle, who care about this and want to help in any way they can, too. That has felt really powerful. 

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The other thing is it's really easy to go home after practice and think about how I need to catch up on the news, and then I catch myself doomscrolling. How can I stay informed, but also keep making an impact? So, thinking of different ways to do that. I even talked with Tori Dixon, who is also from Minnesota — she plays for the LOVB Salt Lake team — and we're trying to figure out how we can maybe do a fundraiser together, match the donations, and find an organization. That's helped me know I can still be part of the fight, use my voice and resources, and help — even though I'm not on the ground. That's helped me mentally balance things instead of thinking “Oh, my gosh, everything is crumbling and there's nothing I can do from here.” That's been really helpful. 

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TOGETHXR: Anytime athletes try to talk about issues outside of sport, they are met with comments like “shut up and dribble” or “stick to your sport”. Have you had any backlash like that? What makes you feel compelled to shut that narrative down? 

JT: It's funny, actually, when people are telling athletes to stay out of politics or things that are important to them, because as a female athlete, I wouldn't be playing this sport if it weren't for people getting involved in politics. So, it's very hypocritical and comical. If you have a platform and an audience that you can reach, that maybe wouldn't be as informed about certain things…I have people who follow me from Turkey, Italy, and different parts of the world. Why not get this message out there? There's been an overwhelming amount of support — I've gotten a lot of people sending me DMs and commenting, and saying how awesome it is to see athletes use their voices for stuff like this. There are a few people who tell you to stick to sports, or say politics aren't your thing. My response is that politics are my thing. If it involves human rights, if it involves things that I care about, then that is my thing. You don't get to dictate what is mine and what's not. 

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I never usually respond to negative comments, but now, I'm at a point where I'm like, “I have time.” Let me educate you and share. A lot of times, my natural reaction is to get irritated by a negative comment. But I think it's important to also use those moments like, “Hey, whether you choose to take this information or not, I can help educate you.” I think it's funny because people want to have such strong opinions on things without all the information at times. Let me just share some information with you; you can take it or leave it. But I'm thankful that the overwhelming voice is one of support.

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TOGETHXR: Some athletes hesitate to say anything because they might feel like they're not informed enough to speak on topics like this. What are your thoughts on that?

JT: I totally feel that. There have been times that I've felt that way. In those moments, I think to myself: if I have this feeling, then let me educate myself. Let me look for resources. Let me try to learn more about this so that, if and when I do decide to use my voice, I feel confident in what I'm saying. I would hope that by now, people know my heart. I hope I’ve shown as a person that my intentions are to always be kind and helpful — so, if I do get something wrong, and somebody calls me out on it, I can reflect and take responsibility. Hopefully, people know that I mean no harm.

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It is scary to use your platform because you could misspeak or say something that doesn't come out right, but... You always have the opportunity to make a change and own up to a mistake. People are gonna know, hopefully, that you have good intentions. As scary as it is, a lot of the time, people are gonna be really supportive and happy that you're speaking on something, because if you think it's important, there's probably a million other people who think it's important too. 

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TOGETHXR: Obviously, the majority of what we're seeing is very disheartening. What gives you hope during all of this? 

JT: Seeing the way that Minnesota is responding, and the way that people are showing up for their neighbors, and others in their community, there have been so many different organizations, restaurants, and local shops in the community that have said they can't even take more donations because they’re at max capacity. Then they'll start directing you to different places that need more. There's overwhelming support in Minnesota. 

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There are more of us than there are of them. There are more people fighting for good and for humanity and for those around them than there are trying to tear people down, break apart families, and harm others. I find a lot of inspiration from the people who continue to show up every single day, in big and small ways, in Minnesota. I'm seeing it on social media, and also in talking with my brother, my stepmom, and my little sister. I know that even the smallest things have a great impact, and that's really inspiring for me. It helps me to know, even if I'm donating $100 to one organization, $100 here, or whatever — even the smallest things can make a great impact. 

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Minnesotans aren't getting tired. We are only more empowered, and seeing everybody come together... The community is really strong there. I think we will be able to outlast whatever they try to throw at us in Minnesota. 

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TOGETHXR: Are there any local Minnesota businesses, restaurants, or community organizations that you would like to shine a light on?

JT: A Bar of Their Own is one of the places that’s been sharing tons of resources. Another one is the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee. Also, the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota has created an Immigrant Rapid Response Fund.