While we work nationally and internationally, IATP is deeply rooted in our home state of Minnesota and our city of Minneapolis, where we have been based since our founding nearly 40 years ago.
Since December, Minnesota — and the Twin Cities in particular — has faced an increased presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with a dramatic and violent surge of activity since the senseless murder of Renee Nicole Good on January 7. (For perspective, Minneapolis has some 600 police officers, while ICE has brought in 3,000 agents). ICE agents have been targeting people of color, raiding workplaces, entering homes without warrants, attacking protestors, and abducting community members seemingly at random. Many of our neighbors have retreated into hiding, unable to safely leave the house for school, work, or to get groceries.
Immigrants play a vital role in our food systems and are valued members of our communities. ICE has brought chaos and violence to Minneapolis and communities across the U.S., violating human rights, tearing apart families and terrorizing innocent people. No one should have to endure this — regardless of citizenship status. We call for ICE to be abolished, and for their occupation of our state to end immediately.
To those under threat or protesting and bearing witness on the front lines, we extend our solidarity. For those outside of the state and looking for ways to support, we have compiled links to organizations and mutual aid fundraisers that are providing groceries, legal support, and rent aid to those most impacted by ongoing ICE activity. We also encourage everyone across the U.S. to contact their congressional representatives and demand that ICE leave our communities.
- For those inside or outside of Minnesota, you can donate to mutual aid efforts in Minneapolis, including front line organizations, community food distribution, neighborhood and school-based aid, and rent assistance. Donations go a long way in supporting organizations on the ground who are helping people stay fed and housed as they’re unable to go to work in fear of ICE abduction.
- For those in the Twin Cities, here is a compilation of local restaurants, businesses, organizations, and churches who are organizing food drives and fundraising to support their community members.
- For those in the Twin Cities and across Greater Minnesota, read this FAQ on what ICE agents can and cannot legally do, and know your legal rights in an encounter with ICE.
Amid all of the turmoil of the past weeks, we’ve been encouraged by the unity and bravery we’ve felt and seen among our neighbors, who are stepping up to protect our most vulnerable community members. It’s an inspiring reminder of the power that our community holds when we support one another and stand together in the face of tyranny.
Photo credit: Taylor Dahlin
