I’m Chelsie Glaubitz Gabiou, president of Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, and my city is under occupation by the federal government.

During this crisis, our community has pulled together, blowing whistles, following ICE vehicles, and doing everything we can to protect our neighbors from being kidnapped and detained by ICE and border patrol.

February is here, and the rent is due. And that’s a problem for our neighbors.

Imagine this happening to you: One of our members was detained by ICE in the parking lot of their workplace, where they were swept away to a facility in Texas. After two weeks in detention under astonishing conditions, being pressured to sign "voluntary" deportation orders, the worker was finally granted habeas and was released.

Two other children in the household also work at the workplace where the detainment took place. It is not safe to return to work – so they have had no income for weeks. They are thankful to be reunited, but afraid that eviction is around the corner. There are more stories like this than you can believe. These are the families we are supporting with rent.

Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation created a fund to pay the rent for families who can’t go to work because they are threatened by ICE. Our movement is built on the combined strength of $5 and $10 donations. When everyone gives a little, they go a long way. Can you split a tax-deductible donation to protect our neighbors?

One thing I’ve learned in this process is that it’s difficult to pay someone else’s rent. Not any organization can do it. But we can. Our navigators help renters get in touch with leasing companies and landlords, and keep people in their homes.

We’ve called for an eviction pause during this emergency, but the government moves slowly and the crisis is now.

If we don’t hit our goals: Landlords will begin eviction proceedings, potentially bringing law enforcement to the people who have successfully avoided ICE during the occupation.

We will keep fighting for our neighbors until ICE drags them to a country where we can't reach them. But the fastest, most effective protection we can give is if we can just pay their rent today.

Protect our neighbors! Help Minnesota residents targeted by ICE pay rent and avoid eviction this month.

The labor movement is built on solidarity. When people stand together, we are more powerful than any other force. Thank you to Progressive Change for standing with us.

In solidarity,

– Chelsie Glaubitz Gabiou, President, Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation

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