|
I want to start off addressing the unprecedented ICE operation in our State of Minnesota. Since this has started, we are facing an operation that is Retribution – these are the President’s own words, not mine.
ICE says they are removing the terrible criminals. The reality is that some of the names they mention are people that the Minnesota Justice System turned over to them. They are not going after people with signed judicial warrants, they are on a fishing expedition targeting folks that are not white and or have a strong accent that the officer feels may be a foreign accent.
We are all hearing about things happening in our community causing our neighbors to feel fear or feel terrorized. Some of the incidents are:
- Shot and killed a woman in broad daylight
- Denied medical care to the woman after shooting her three times
- Broke car windows, tackled people, used chemical weapons and handcuffed staff at a high school.
- Forced schools to close because of the ongoing threat ICE poses to students and faculty.
- Arrested US citizens without warrant or reason.
- Arrested workers in private businesses without warrants.
- Pointed guns at heads of peaceful protesters.
- Pulled someone out of their car in the middle of the road, leaving the car in drive putting everyone at risk.
- Setup check points in neighborhoods and at freeway exits.
- Went door to door looking for people of color.
- Banished a gun at a pastor that was at a peaceful protest.
- Blocked Congresspersons from entering an ICE facility - a public building where they have oversight.
- Said out loud they don’t care about the law.
- Attacked and detained and threatened people who were peacefully filming them.
And this is just the tip of the iceberg. Here is a list of just a few of the more egregious actions taken by ICE, which doesn’t even include the tear gassing of young children, the second civilian shooting or the egregious arrest of ChongLy Scott Thao.
Also, last week ICE was spotted near Tartan High School. Hovering around schools has now become a common tactic for ICE. This underscores that they have no compunctions when it comes to where and when they want to take their unconstitutional actions.
 I wish I could say that these examples are the exception to what is happening. Based on the number of people I have heard from I can say it is not. What is happening is an assault on our constitutional rights and it is creating trauma for many people in our district. Thanks is why I am out on a daily basis as a constitutional observer.
If you want to learn more about your rights to a due process, watch a very informative video put together by the League of Women Voters.
I have heard from many people, too many are suffering trauma and loss of security. There are ways to help. Unions, Faith Organizations and community leaders have called for a general strike on Friday January 23rd to call for an end ICE's unconstitutional operation. Now is the time to stand up and speak out to protect our constitutional rights. For more details and information, click here.
It is important to remember that we keep protests peaceful and reject any violence and that we do not do protests in houses of worship that interrupt services. Violence and interruption of worship services are not acceptable.
 Reach out to the White Bear Food shelf. They are helping folks who are food insecure because of what ICE is doing. Their resources are stretched thin, monetary and food donations will help. They are located at 1884 Whitaker Street in White Bear Lake. Click here for their website.
Our local school districts have a need for volunteers to help out. Each district has their own unique way to help support their kids and parents. Reach out to your local school district to find out more ways to help provide that support.
Working together we will come out stronger and more vibrant as we take care of each other.
This week, I joined MPR to detail a confrontation I had with ICE. I am a part of a local rapid response group and I was tracking ICE agents to record their interactions for any constitutional violations, when they stopped me and threatened to arrest me. I continuously reiterated my constitutional right to follow and observe. Luckily, I was not arrested by them, but they have arrested dozens of Minnesotans just like me.
Attorney General Keith Ellison is launching a form on his website that Minnesotans can use to share information about the impacts that federal actions in Minnesota, including those of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), have had on them personally or someone close to them, or that they have personally witnessed. These incident reports may be critical in supporting Attorney General’s Office actions defending and enforcing Minnesota’s laws and defending the State of Minnesota against actions that violate the State’s rights under the
Constitution and applicable federal law. Minnesotans can access the form using this link.
I was honored to be part of a panel that the DNR put on earlier this month at their annual round table. Senator Hawj, CO-Chair Heintzeman and myself answered a number of questions related to the environment committees that we chair. Watch here.
Precinct Caucuses are coming up on Tuesday February 3rd. This is a great way to get involved on the issues and have a say in who will be representing you in the future. For more information go to the Secretary of State’s Website here.
Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. I value hearing from you, so call (651) 296-5363 or email any time at [email protected]. You can find my information on my House website.
Sincerely,
Peter Fischer
|
