By Alliance Volunteer Teri Reitan
As a native Minnesotan, I’m disgusted and outraged by what’s taking place in our communities. At the same time, the horrible injustices and violations of law have brought together Minnesotans in a way I never thought was possible. I am proud of how such diverse people are standing up to ICE and the Trump regime.
Many people are wondering what they can do and others have reached out asking how they can support Minnesota communities. I decided to expand our traditional Take Action to include not only policy, but also volunteering, donating and other creative ways to get ICE OUT NOW and to support those who are struggling. Whether or not you live in Minnesota, you can have an impact.
In addition to the widely reported immigration enforcement activities in Minnesota, nearly all residents are being affected in less visible but serious and detrimental ways – from school children to small business closings.
Community members — including legal immigrants and US-born citizens — report fear of visiting grocery stores, going to work, getting medical care or even attending their places of worship. Some families are keeping children home from school due to concerns about enforcement activities near educational institutions.
Community members — including legal immigrants and US-born citizens — report fear of visiting grocery stores, going to work, getting medical care or even attending their places of worship. Some families are keeping children home from school due to concerns about enforcement activities near educational institutions. People who have had to reduce their work hours or stop working are facing severe financial challenges paying for rent, food, and other essential expenses.
The amazing thing is how Minnesotans of all ages are coming up with creative solutions for addressing these assaults. But they need your help.
Good News: There Are MANY Ways to TAKE ACTION
Actions in Your Communities
The opportunities for each of us to have an impact are enormous. Here is a list of just some of them, but you may have other creative expressions that can move people, from poetry and social media posts to just talking with your neighbors.
- Support local restaurants by dining in, taking out or buying a gift card – and remember to be patient
- Go grocery shopping for people who cannot
- Offer rides and/or run errands
- Volunteer to walk children to/from school or bus stops
- Become a legal observer or just have a whistle to use if there is ICE action
- Join a drum or song circle
- Attend one of the numerous peaceful vigils on street corners and overpasses
Call for Policy Shifts
Contact both your MN and federal legislators to call for ICE OUT NOW and fundamental requirements for policing, including no face masks, proper ID, body cameras, prosecution of racial profiling and illegal stops and seizures, proper judicial warrants, a rent moratorium and accessible mental health support.
Get involved in a political campaign and make sure to vote. Consider volunteering as an election judge or providing rides to polling places.
Support Verified Organizations Helping Impacted Residents
If you don’t live in MN, you can still help out by donating or joining a protest in your own town.
| Organization | Community Assistance Supports | |
| ACER info@acerinc.org 763-657-7711 | African immigrant business owners | Donate
Volunteer
|
| The Advocates for Human Rights hrights@advrights.org 612-341-3302 | Immigrants (free legal help) Legal observers volunteer training | Donate
Volunteer
|
| Cempazuchitl Collective info@nacdi.org 612-425-4675 | Native Americans (rent assistance) | Donate
Volunteer
|
| COPAL MN info@copalmn.org 612-255-3112 | Raid recovery, food, shelter assistance Latine family support | Donate
Volunteer
|
| Defend the 612 | Legal observer volunteer training ICE watch network | |
| Indivisible Twin Cities info@indivisibletwincities.org | Peaceful “ICE Out” and “No Kings” protests | Donate Volunteer Protest |
| IRRF hello@wfmn.org 612-337-5010 | Immigrant rapid response | Donate
|
| MIRAC miracmn@gmail.com | Immigrant rights – peaceful protests Assisting families: food & essential supplies | Donate Volunteer Protest |
For neighborhood-specific nonprofit support groups and other ways to Take Action, please reference: Stand with Minnesota
For additional ways that non-Minnesotan friends and allies can be in solidarity with Minnesotans visit: MN Council of Nonprofits
Thanks for standing with all of us in MN. Your outpouring of encouragement, admiration and support is inspiring. And remember our success here could help prevent ICE from coming to your community. Let’s bring about the true solution – comprehensive immigration reform.