 Neighbors,
Last Friday, I joined tens of thousands of Minnesotans in downtown Minneapolis to peacefully protest against the terror that our federal government has inflicted upon us. With this action, and all the other incredible ways Minnesotans are supporting their neighbors, we are reminding the world why our state is so special. Regardless of what you think about immigration policy, ICE is causing so much harm that they need to leave Minnesota now. Not only are they terrorizing families, hurting our schools, impacting our economy, and violating our constitutional rights - they are literally killing us.
One day after the peaceful protest in Minneapolis, federal agents killed another Minnesotan in broad daylight. Alex Pretti was a neighbor, a son, and an ICU nurse who cared for veterans. Within hours, leaders of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Patrol were calling Alex a domestic terrorist and were blatantly and obviously lying about what happened. We have to believe our eyes.
Alex should be alive today. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and loved ones.
Unfortunately, terrifying interactions with ICE are not unique. We have seen ICE regularly staging near Aquila Elementary School. Just yesterday, they were staking out a preschool in St. Louis Park. Some beloved businesses in SLP are closed because employees are too scared to leave their homes, regardless of their immigration status.
Enough is enough.
It’s time for ICE to leave Minnesota. They’ve lost all credibility. Given how poorly trained, violent, unaccountable, and opaque they are, I think how they exist and are constituted should be questioned.
There’s so much work to be done. In the House, DFLers are working on bills for this session (which starts Feb 17th) to protect Minnesotans’ rights and hold these federal agents accountable. I have also been on the ground in SLP, speaking out at events and on social media, supporting our students as they protest, helping residents that have been traumatized by ICE, and sharing information and resources from other groups and parts of the state.
(speaking at a rally in SLP)
It is encouraging that we’re finally starting to see a few of our Minnesota GOP colleagues call for an end to ICE activities in Minnesota. And we’re also starting to see some at the national level break with the administration. It’s hard for me to understand why more haven’t done so.
We are calling on Congress to block ICE funding. Again, regardless of your views on immigration policy, this is not the way to do law enforcement.
Thank you to everyone in our community who is speaking out, protesting, donating time and money, and protecting our state and neighbors.
Town Hall
My Senate District 46 colleagues and I always do a town hall before each legislative session begins. Rep. Youakim, Sen. Latz, and I will be hosting one on February 12th at the St. Louis Park City Hall from 6:30 to 8:00. I’m sure ICE will be a big topic, but we can talk about whatever else is on people’s minds. We hope to see you there!
Tour of Benilde-St. Margaret’s
A few weeks ago, I had a lovely tour of Benilde prep school, and got to know some of their staff and their President, Danielle Hermanny. One of the best parts of the tour was spending some time in a History class getting grilled by students!
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