A mother from Oregon who uses they/them pronouns and sports 26 facial piercings has ignited a firestorm of controversy after making disturbing claims about US immigration enforcement on social media. Octavia Dylan Quinn took to TikTok earlier this week to share what they described as a "dark thought" about protecting their children from federal officers.
Viral Video Sparks Immediate Backlash
In the now-deleted video that quickly went viral, Quinn suggested that taking their own children's lives would be "an easier way out" than allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to interact with them. The mother-of-two went further, labelling ICE agents as "pedophiles" who they believed would endanger their children.
"I really pray it doesn't get bad enough, but being a mom in America... I often think if it gets to the point of knocking on doors," Quinn said in the controversial clip. Text displayed across the screen asked whether "other moms think this way," suggesting the sentiment might be more widespread than initially apparent.
Defence and Deletion Follow Controversy
Following the video's rapid spread across social media platforms, Quinn deleted their TikTok account but not before posting a follow-up video showing they had acquired a firearm. "I swore I'd never own one, but this country is scary," they wrote in reference to the weapon.
In a statement to the Daily Mail, Quinn vehemently denied advocating for violence, claiming the clip was taken out of context. "The clip captures part of a broader, hypothetical discussion that involved examining scenarios and options," they explained. "Posing a hypothetical and discussing all possible solutions does not equate to endorsing harm or intent."
Quinn emphasised their professional commitment to child welfare, stating: "At no point did I advocate violence or harm toward children or anyone else. I am firmly committed to the safety, dignity, and well-being of children and families, both personally and professionally."
Online Reaction and Safety Concerns
The mother's comments triggered immediate concern among social media users, with many calling for Child Protective Services (CPS) intervention. Numerous users reported Quinn to authorities, while others tagged CPS directly in their responses.
"Somebody call CPS on this woman. Immediately," one X user demanded, while another commented: "CPS seriously needs to get those kids away from her." The online response highlighted widespread anxiety about the children's safety following Quinn's statements.
Professional Background and Community Work
According to their online presence, Quinn works as a foster parent recruiter in Rouge River, approximately four hours from Portland. They also run their own non-profit organisation called Octavia's Options, which aims to "provide stable housing and supportive services for those in need" in their community.
Additionally, Quinn works as a substance use peer support specialist for Stabbin Wagon, a non-profit providing overdose prevention materials in Jackson County. A 2023 Facebook post from the organisation praised Quinn's commitment to "autonomy and self-determination, never coercion" in supporting individuals through their substance use journeys.
Broader Immigration Context
Quinn's comments emerge against a backdrop of heightened tensions surrounding immigration enforcement across the United States. Since the beginning of Donald Trump's second term, the administration has implemented a significant immigration crackdown, particularly targeting Democrat-run cities.
Recent weeks have seen particularly high tensions following two fatal shootings during anti-ICE protests in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother, was shot by ICE officer Jonathan Ross while driving away from a protest on January 7. Just weeks later, Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was shot ten times by Border Patrol agents in broad daylight.
The agents involved in Pretti's death have been identified as Border Patrol Agent Jesus Ochoa, 43, and Customs and Border Protection Officer Raymundo Gutierrez, 35. Both were assigned to Minneapolis as part of Operation Metro Surge, the administration's initiative to crack down on illegal migrants in the city.
The Daily Mail has contacted Child Protective Services for comment regarding the concerns raised about Quinn's children. Quinn has not specified why they fear federal officers might approach their family, leaving unanswered questions about the motivation behind their controversial statements.
