Zine Revival Amplifies Voices Amid Social Media Challenges
In Los Angeles, a workshop at the central public library attracted nearly 100 participants creating zines on subjects including ICE raids and local elections. 404 Media is also producing a 16-page zine focusing on ICE.
Zine makers attribute a rise in pen-and-paper publications to social media censorship, surveillance, doxxing, and algorithm suppression. Mariame Kaba, co-founder of the Black Zine Fair, highlights that zines are inexpensive to print, easy to distribute, and capable of reaching thousands without traditional barriers.
Megan Piontkowski’s "How to Report ICE" zines have spread widely, with over 70 English and Spanish versions available on Bluesky and Google Drive.
Following ICE’s Operation Midway Blitz, Chicago saw the emergence of zine-folding parties organized by Emily Hilleren, who held seven events around the city, most reaching capacity.
The Pilsen Arts and Community House created zines like "Form a Crowd, Stay Loud" and combined them with whistle kits designed to deter ICE, aiding local venue mobilization.
Zines have a long-standing history, tracing back to 1930s fanzines such as The Comet, experiencing a 'second birth' in the 1980s punk scene with personal zines, while serving as a vehicle for political information sharing.
Youth participation is increasing, exemplified by 16-year-old Victoria Echerikuahperi (DJ Mariposa), who led healing zine workshops for raid victims in Los Angeles and now organizes youth-focused zine events.
