Veteran television actress Anne-Marie Johnson made a covert political statement this week, posting a series of strongly worded signs criticising US immigration enforcement near her Los Angeles residence. The 65-year-old star, best known for roles in In the Heat of the Night and Melrose Place, undertook the action while dressed incognito in a navy blue hoodie, matching cap, and sunglasses.
Symbolic Protest Against Immigration Policies
Eyewitnesses reported seeing Johnson on Monday using power tools and clippers to install signs bearing slogans including 'F*** ICE', 'Abolish ICE', 'Resist Fascism', and 'Resist Oligarchy'. One particularly provocative sign drew a direct historical parallel, reading '1933 Gestapo/RESIST 2025 ICE', comparing current Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations under President Donald Trump to conditions that preceded World War II.
National Context and Political Reactions
Johnson's symbolic gesture in Southern California occurred against a backdrop of national discussion about federal immigration enforcement. This follows recent shooting deaths in Minnesota involving federal officials and protestors, including Alex Pretti on January 24 and Renee Good on January 7. The incidents have intensified debates about immigration policy and enforcement methods.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced this week that all ICE and DHS officers will be equipped with body-worn cameras, stating on social media platform X, 'We will rapidly acquire and deploy body cameras to DHS law enforcement across the country.'
Controversy Over Operation Names
The protest comes as the Trump administration's Department of Homeland Security faces criticism over the names assigned to immigration operations. Critics argue that titles like Maine's Operation Catch of the Day, Florida's Operation Dirtbag, and Louisiana's Operation Catahoula Crunch/Swamp Sweep convey dehumanising messages about immigrants.
California Congressman Jimmy Gomez, a Democrat, told the Associated Press that such names suggest immigrants are 'sub-human', adding, 'that is why they have those disgusting names. They don't even use that kind of language when they conduct operations across the globe dealing with some of the worst terrorists imaginable.'
In contrast, Texas Republican Congressman Brandon Gill defended the administration's approach, stating, 'I think all he's doing is letting them know we continue to be serious about that. We're serious about keeping the border secure. We're serious about deporting illegal aliens.'
From Incognito Activist to Stylish Neighbour
After her Monday activism, Johnson was photographed on Tuesday in a more fashionable ensemble—a maroon coat over a grey top with blue pants—as she performed mundane household tasks like retrieving her trash cans, still sporting sunglasses on the sunny Los Angeles day. Eyewitnesses noted she engaged in approximately twenty minutes of conversation with a neighbour about the signage she had installed.
Distinguished Acting Career
Johnson boasts an extensive television career spanning decades. She played Althea Tibbs opposite Carroll O'Connor in 119 episodes of In the Heat of the Night from 1988–1993 and portrayed attorney Alycia Barnett in 14 episodes of Melrose Place from 1995-1996. Her character served as a romantic interest for Dr. Peter Burns, played by Jack Wagner.
Other notable credits include appearances on In Living Color alongside Jim Carrey and Jamie Foxx, seven episodes as Donna Cabonna on That's So Raven with Raven-Symoné (a role she reprised in 2022), and recent guest spots on shows including NCIS, So Help Me Todd, and How to Get Away with Murder.
Her film work includes Hollywood Shuffle, I'm Gonna Git You Sucka, Robot Jox, The Five Heartbeats, Strictly Business, and the more recent The Addiction of Hope. The Daily Mail has contacted Johnson's representative for additional comment regarding her recent political actions.
