Residents respond to ICE

“Minnesota already has enough ice.”

“It shouldn’t have to happen to you for it to matter to you.”

More than 50,000 protesters rallied in downtown Minneapolis on Jan. 23, when temperatures ranged between -20 and -10 degrees, to protest the aggressive tactics of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. A general strike was called that day, and many businesses were closed. Classes at Minnehaha were canceled due to extreme weather. Photo by Henry Beck.

“When cruelty becomes normal, comparison looks radical.”

These are just some of the sayings and quotes etched onto posters at the numerous protests, walkouts, and vigils in and around Minnesota.

With immigration sending more than 3,000 new officers and investigators into the Twin Cities, communities big and small, feel the tension, fear, and unrest that has taken over the state.

Eager to help, friends, neighbors, and community members are actively at work to support individuals who are at risk, displaying just what it means to be authentically Minnesotan, despite the circumstances.

“I think it’s been incredible how they’ve just kind of self-organized,” said Minnehaha Spanish teacher and Chapel Coordinator Anne Calvin. “It’s just this outpouring of support that actually isn’t centralized.”

On Friday, Jan. 23, a statewide “economic blackout” occurred, as many individuals stayed home from school, work and avoided shopping in efforts to make a statement as one fluid community. Minnehaha’s classes were canceled due to extremely cold temperatures.

“It was my first ever protest,” said senior Lyla Kath, who attended the Friday protests.

Even with so much tension in the community, people still banded together and protested for their neighbors and family members who couldn’t.

On Jan. 24, the day Alex Pretti was shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis, protesters stood at street corners throughout the city, carrying signs and candles, despite the cold weather. Photo by Catherine Sime-Mackintosh.

“We were saying chants and walking, and everyone was complimenting each other and their signs,” said Kath. “ It was a very positive but also empowering atmosphere at the same time.”

This absenteeism, put in action by over 700 businesses, numerous workers, and countless brave students show their anger and frustration over the situation. Protesters aimed to stay peaceful but also act in ways that spoke for themselves, showing Minnesotans’ strength and bravery.

“I feel like people are just wanting to do something, and they are doing things in ways that make sense to them, in terms of their community,” said Calvin.

Whether individuals are transporting food to churches and community centers, or attending protests and walkouts, they are finding ways to respond that resonate with and makes sense to them.

“Nobody is telling somebody, like this is how it has to look. This is what you have to do,” said Calvin.

Both old and young individuals, native Minnesotans and visitors, continue to come together, regardless of religious affiliation, political beliefs, and ethnic background to fight back.

“If any of us had a stereotype of what a protester might look like, it’s just like breaking all of these stereotypes and assumptions,” said Calvin.

Urban Ventures is one of many organizations that has stepped forward to support the various immigrant communities around South Minneapolis.

“For more than three decades, our work has centered on this neighborhood, allowing us to build deep relationships with immigrant communities,” said Erica Schimelpfenig, president and CEO of Urban Ventures, as well as a Minnehaha parent.

Over the past month, many families and individuals that regularly work with Urban Ventures have stopped attending events. The fear of being racially profiled and possibly detained is widespread. Urban Ventures has continued to collaborate with other organizations.

“Urban Ventures has been able to walk alongside families during this difficult time by providing access to food and essential household items through partnerships with local food distributors, businesses, and generous donors,” said Schimelpfenig.

Additionally, they have been able to support many of their participants by providing online access to mental health care, pastoral care, and legal assistance.

“Twice a week, we deliver food boxes and supplies to those affected,” said Schimelpfenig.

In an effort to continue their services, Urban Ventures is working to ensure that the kids who have been impacted by the current events in Minneapolis have access to critical educational support.

Despite the internal and external roadblocks that many individuals with black and brown skin are facing, Minnesotans continue to show up for one another.

“In the midst of a dark and uncertain time, we are staying light through people who choose to recognize the humanity of complete strangers,” said Schimelfenig.

With many using their voices, platforms, and positions as tools to advocate for change, the resilience and compassion of humankind continues to be highlighted.

“Minnesotans are saying, we are all each other‘s neighbor,” said Calvin.