Hello John,
A woman was killed in our state by a federal immigration officer. Her name was Renee Good. She was a mother, a neighbor, a Minnesotan. And tonight, her family is facing a loss no one should have to bear. And the federal agency responsible is calling it justified before there's been any investigation.
Over the past months, ICE has conducted a sweeping federal crackdown in Minnesota—arresting hundreds of people across the Twin Cities. They say they're targeting dangerous criminals. But that's not what we're seeing on the ground.
They are detaining people with no criminal records. People with legal cases still pending. Young people who have lived here their whole lives. In some cases, even U.S. citizens. People are being stopped in parking lots for speaking Somali. Mothers are being handcuffed while buying groceries. Children are staying home from school. Small businesses are losing customers because whole neighborhoods are afraid to leave their homes.
This is not public safety. This is fear as policy.
But we know who we are in Minnesota. We look out for one another. We stand up when someone is targeted. We don't let chaos become normal. That's the community I want to be part of—and I know many of you do too.
If you're looking for ways to help, here are a few concrete steps that any of us can take:
- Know your rights. Monarca's training hub offers clear, practical guides on what to do if ICE is in your area and how to support others safely.
- Get involved locally. Churches, mosques, nonprofits, and mutual aid groups across the Twin Cities are organizing food drives, packing events, ride coordination, and family support. One such place, DHH Church, is coordinating food distribution and rides. Check in with a local org near you—there's likely something already happening close to home.
- Give what you can. Groups like Unidos MN Education Fund and the Immigrant Law Center of MN among others are supporting families on the ground.
- Support immigrant-owned businesses. When many have seen a sharp drop in customers, dining in or shopping local is an act of solidarity.
This is a painful moment, but it's not a helpless one. The fear our neighbors are feeling is real—and so is our responsibility to respond with care and action.
Let's keep being Minnesotans.
—Ryan
