Dear John,

Today’s headlines include more bleak and terrifying news from the ongoing ICE occupation of the Twin Cities — members of our Somali community continue to be targeted, as well as those who exercise their constitutional rights to observe and challenge ICE. On a federal level, our access to affordable healthcare is under attack, and the unholy marriage of white Christian nationalism and authoritarianism seeps into policies everywhere.

Woven between these stories, though, are spots of light and people-powered resistance — local businesses stepping up to care for their neighbors, elected officials demanding accountability, musicians releasing anti-fascist songs and uniting for better working conditions. 

In the op-ed featured below, Faisa Ahmed writes an ode to resilience, about the need to continue the work of building the world we want to live in despite fear and hatred.

“Trump will always be on the lookout for the next fearmongering sideshow to distract and divide us from the harm that his administration is inflicting,” she writes. “But he will learn a hard lesson about the communities he perceives to be weak. The Minnesota Somali community, like others he has chosen to bully and attack, is full of tough leaders who have been facing scary, hateful people for their whole careers and probably still will be, long after Trump has once again faded into memory.”

Here's what we're reading, watching, and listening to this week: 

1. MN ICE watch

As ICE escalates its violent targeting of MN immigrant communities, anti-ICE activism has ramped up. One ICE watcher was arrested on Tuesday while observing a raid, and three Somali-American citizens were arrested later that day. 

Looking for a way to stand with your neighbors and against ICE? Plug into the Monarca Rapid Response network.

2. "Minnesota is our home. America is our home."

In a moving and devastating op-ed, Somali Minnesotan organizer Faisa Ahmed responds to the Trump administration’s attacks on her community. Her piece comes alongside reports from Rep. Ilhan Omar’s office that threats of violence against her have increased since Trump’s racist tirade.

3. US Senate fails to pass healthcare bill

The healthcare affordability crisis is going to get much worse in 2026 as ACA subsidies are set to expire at the end of the month. Senators failed this week to pass legislation to address it, which was a key part of the deal to end the government shutdown last month.

4. SPPD under investigation

The St. Paul City Council passed a resolution on Wednesday to investigate the city’s police response to protesters at the Nov. 25 ICE raid. 

5. Kilmar Abrego Garcia released

A Maryland federal judge ordered the Trump administration to immediately release Kilmar Abrego Garcia who was unlawfully deported to a violent El Salvador prison earlier this year and has been in ICE custody since his return to the US. The administration has vowed to appeal the order.

6. Businesses step up in wake of ICE occupation

Several Latino-owned businesses in the Twin Cities are providing free grocery delivery to immigrant families afraid to leave their homes due to the recent immigration crackdown in Minnesota.

7. MPS sued over layoff policy

Trump’s Justice Department is suing Minneapolis Public Schools over a 2022 policy that protects teachers from underrepresented populations (including teachers of color, LGBTQ teachers, and multilingual teachers) during seniority-based layoffs. Studies show that a more diverse body of educators improves student outcomes.

8. Right-wing women

White Christian Nationalism may look like a boys’ club, but there are plenty of women weaponizing gender roles and femininity to push a hateful agenda. Their latest target? Empathy.

9. ABC Democracy

I still have a vivid memory of seeing the iconic children’s singer Raffi in an outdoor show as a tiny tot, and listening to his new song challenging the rise of authoritarianism brought tears to my eyes.

10. We love our Gully Boys

In a new Star Tribune interview with the Minneapolis-based band, drummer and TCUP founder Nadi McGill shares why musicians can’t settle for low-paying gigs.

That's a wrap!

Send us what you’re reading, watching, and listening to.

Until next time,

Charlie Bartlett
TakeAction Member