Legislative Newsletter: Republicans Vote Against Minnesotans

Dear Neighbors,  

Today marks the end of the first committee deadlines, which signals the halfway point for the 2026 legislative session. Early this week, the House Chamber voted unanimously to repeal César Chávez Day in Minnesota. I am incredibly proud of our Latine POCI Caucus leaders for their hard work to repeal César Chávez Day. We need to believe victims and survivors—no person or legacy is above accountability. I stand in solidarity with Dolores Huerta and all victims and survivors of sexual abuse; repealing this day is an important step toward healing and justice.  

Every part of our state was destabilized by Operation Metro Surge and Operation PARRISS, and our cities and communities are still dealing with the economic consequences. Regardless of where you stand on the federal government’s occupation of our state, the reality of the harm is clear. Republicans continue to keep their heads in the sand, refusing to face the reality we are living in—a reality we must work together to address. 

Last night, my DFL colleagues and I tried reasoning with Republicans on the House floor again, pleading for at least one of them to abandon their partisan priorities and put Minnesotans first. For months, our neighbors have endured the violent political retribution of the Trump administration, which led to the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti and injured thousands more. 

As a devoted education justice advocate, one of the most disturbing tactics deployed by ICE was the stalking of our schools. From elementary schools to college campuses, ICE agents were abducting parents at bus stops, pepper-spraying teachers, and violently arresting minors. Minnesotans are demanding accountability, yet Republicans choose the gun lobby over protecting children. 

We also introduced legislation to ban high-capacity magazines and assault weapons. I spoke on the House floor about how growing up on the South Side of Chicago shaped my youth. I lost my high school best friend, Rashawn, to gun violence. Like many who have lost a loved one, I have turned my pain into purpose. One of the reasons I fight so hard for gun violence prevention is to ensure no one else has to experience the agony of losing someone they love. 

Every part of our state was destabilized by Operation Metro Surge and Operation PARRISS, and our cities and communities are still dealing with the economic consequences. Regardless of where you stand on the federal government’s occupation of our state, the reality of the harm is clear. Republicans continue to keep their heads in the sand, refusing to face the reality we are living in—a reality we must work together to address. 

Last night, my DFL colleagues and I tried reasoning with Republicans on the House floor again, pleading for at least one of them to abandon their partisan priorities and put Minnesotans first. For months, our neighbors have endured the violent political retribution of the Trump administration, which led to the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti and injured thousands more. 

As a devoted education justice advocate, one of the most disturbing tactics deployed by ICE was the stalking of our schools. From elementary schools to college campuses, ICE agents were abducting parents at bus stops, pepper-spraying teachers, and violently arresting minors. Minnesotans are demanding accountability, yet Republicans choose the gun lobby over protecting children. 

We also introduced legislation to ban high-capacity magazines and assault weapons. I spoke on the House floor about how growing up on the South Side of Chicago shaped my youth. I lost my high school best friend, Rashawn, to gun violence. Like many who have lost a loved one, I have turned my pain into purpose. One of the reasons I fight so hard for gun violence prevention is to ensure no one else has to experience the agony of losing someone they love.