Dear Neighbors, 

The start to 2026 has been uniquely difficult and inspiring for our City. 

Our community continues to mourn Renee Good. Renee was a loving wife, mother, poet, and singer who was killed by Federal agents while returning home from dropping off her six-year-old son at school. We continue to see violence perpetrated by the Federal government, including the non-fatal shooting of an immigrant neighbor on the 600 block of 24th Avenue North in Minneapolis last Wednesday night. For the last two and a half weeks, I have been on the ground across the City and in our Ward, assisting with our City’s response, and being in community with you all as we navigate this unprecedented moment. I feel your fatigue. The City of Minneapolis is resilient, and frankly, we are tired of having to be.  

The world has been inspired by our response of love and courage in the face of such cruelty, and for our loud, always present, peaceful protest. They sought to break us with fear, but they have only succeeded in binding us closer together. 

This City, the Mayor, the City Council, and I are all united in demanding ICE to get out of Minneapolis. We do not have faith in federal officials investigating themselves, which is why I fully support Attorney General Keith Ellison and County Attorney Mary Moriarty in launching an independent state-level review of Renee’s death; this happened on a City street, not Federal property, and the Minnesota BCA procedure must apply. To my neighbors who are protesting, especially those protesting at night: please exercise your First Amendment right and be loud, but do so peacefully. This administration is trying to instigate violence, and attempting to physically engage Federal agents gives Trump exactly what he wants and will only continue to expose our most vulnerable neighbors.  

My office is committed to keeping you informed. This newsletter provides an update on the Council actions taken by the City Council over the past two weeks, the status of the City's lawsuit against the Federal government, and a full list of resources available to you.

Council Vote Scorecards 

I fully believe the most basic function of a responsive elected official is open, transparent, and consistent communication regarding the way in which they vote. I want my constituents, each and every one of you, to always know why I voted in favor or in opposition to every item that comes before Council. That’s why I’m sharing what I call “scorecards” for every council meeting I attend. These scorecards will include agendas of the meeting, how I voted, explanations of why I voted the way I did, and the final outcome of those votes. Attached below are scorecards from the two most recent Council meetings:  

Eviction Moratorium Resolution 

Last week, the City Council took an action to respond to the instability caused by the recent Federal ICE deployment. 

The Council unanimously passed a resolution formally asking Governor Walz to enact an eviction moratorium for the duration of Operation Metro Surge. To be clear: this is not a binding ordinance. The City cannot, alone, enact an eviction moratorium, only Governor Walz is able to do so. This is not a perfect remedy, nor do I believe it is the best remedy, but I do believe it is a remedy that has the potential to help our immigrant neighbors – immediately. I introduced an amendment to this resolution at the 1/15 Council meeting, which was adopted unanimously, to address two essential concerns: first, to tie the length of any enacted moratorium to the duration of the deployment of Federal immigration enforcement agents, and second, requesting Governor Walz to ensure the long-term stability of all housing providers by providing emergency rental assistance to our residents most vulnerable to attacks by the federal government, prioritizing those residents living in mission-driven nonprofit affordable housing properties. 

We know this request faces legal and financial hurdles at the state level, and more details need to be fleshed out. But the need in our community is undeniable. Undocumented/immigrant families are sheltering in place, unable to work, unable to pay rent, and thus, facing the threat of eviction and homelessness. Thank you to the thousands of you that reached out urging the Council to pass this resolution. I would also like to thank Council Members Palmisano and Wonsley for their help to ensure that this was a resolution the entire Council could support.     

By passing this resolution, we are sounding the alarm: Minneapolis needs help, and we cannot do it alone. You can find more explanation within the 1/15 council meeting scorecard.  

As we head into the weekend, please check in on your neighbors. We are strongest when we look out for one another. 

Sincerely, 

Jamison 

The following updates are from the City of Minneapolis News page: Minneapolismn.gov/news 

We Are Suing the Federal Government 

Minneapolis has joined the City of Saint Paul and the State of Minnesota in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Trump Administration. 

The lawsuit demands: 

• An immediate end to "Operation Metro Surge". 

• That federal agencies abide by the U.S. Constitution, state law, and their own federal policies. 

This legal action is about accountability and safeguarding our ability to protect the well-being of our communities. On Jan. 14, the judge assigned to the case asked for additional briefings, which will be followed by a hearing. 

Standing by City Policy 

Mayor Frey and City leaders have consistently urged peaceful protest and have reiterated that Minneapolis will not take part in civil immigration enforcement. 

• Protected Spaces: ICE is not allowed inside City buildings without a judicial warrant. 

• City Staff: Minneapolis employees—including police—do not assist ICE, do not ask about immigration status, and do not detain people for ICE. 

• Recognizing City Uniforms: With multiple federal agencies in town, it is important to know who is who. Minneapolis employees (including Traffic Control and Animal Control) do not wear masks to hide their identity. No one in a City uniform will ever ask for your immigration status. 

Statement from Minneapolis City Council in Support of General Strike

"Minnesota is deeply grounded in the values of community, compassion, dignity, and solidarity. The violent actions of federal agents have had profound effects on families and communities across our city and state, creating an environment of chaos, fear, and disruption in our neighborhoods. This federal operation has made life difficult for many residents to shop for groceries, go to work, take their children to school, or keep their small businesses open. When residents are brutalized and profiled, families are torn apart, and children are arrested, our communities are not any safer.

We continue to demand that ICE, and all federal agents leave our state immediately. Minnesotans have a long tradition of activism, protest, and civic engagement during significant inflection moments in our state. A broad coalition of labor organizations, faith communities, community-based organizations, students, small businesses, and workers have called for a statewide Day of Truth and Freedom as a time for solidarity, community, mutual aid, and protest.

The Minneapolis City Council fully supports this action as a time to exercise your constitutional rights, to express support for our neighbors, and demand the end of this federal occupation. We acknowledge and respect the diverse ways individuals, families, essential workers, students, and businesses may choose to observe this day and support our community. Together, with our community, the City Council reaffirms our commitment to civic expression, community safety, and our immigrant neighbors. We will continue the work of ensuring justice, freedom, and dignity for all during and beyond this occupation." 

If federal agents come to your home: 

• Do not open your door unless the agent shows you a judicial warrant signed by a judge. An administrative warrant from ICE is not the same. 

• Ask to see it: You can ask them to hold the warrant up to a window or slide it under the door. 

• Remain Silent: You have the right to remain silent. 

• Do not sign anything: Do not sign any documents without speaking to a lawyer first. 

• FAQs for rental property owners 

• FAQs for renters 

Interactive Training Opportunity: “Know Your Rights and Say Them Loud” is a rapid response program from Mixed Blood, the ACLU, and ILCM. Using interactive theater with trained actors, participants practice asserting their legal rights during simulated ICE encounters—including remaining silent and requesting a lawyer. This safe environment builds the confidence needed to speak up in high-pressure situations. 

Contact Mixed Blood to host a session at tolu@mixedblood.com; for safety, please share this invitation via email only. 

Virtual Psychological First Aid: Join us for Psychological First Aid (PFA) training to learn how to support individuals through traumatic events and personal crises. This evidence-informed session provides practical tools to reduce distress, promote resilience, and manage compassion fatigue. You will gain a clear framework for providing immediate aid and recognizing when professional mental health referrals are necessary. 

• All community members and frontline workers are encouraged to attend this vital training. Register for the upcoming training classes. 

Virtual Resource Center: Increased federal activity is disrupting daily life, and some residents are afraid to go to the grocery store or work. The City has launched a Virtual Resource Center to help residents find partner resources for: 

• Food assistance 

• Housing and rent support 

• Mental health and domestic violence resources. 

Reporting Threats: Amid ICE’s divisive presence in our neighborhoods, we’ve heard reports of threats of violence against schools and community organizations 

• School Threats: If you receive a threat regarding a school or student (online or in person), call 911 immediately. If you have questions about your child’s school’s safety plans, contact your school administration.   

• Suspicious Vehicles: If you see an unmarked vehicle without front and rear license plates on city streets, you can report it to 311. 

Resources for Immigrants: Minneapolis is a welcoming city, one that fosters inclusivity, respect and safety for all. Below are links for residents to be aware of their rights and responsibilities: 

• Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota Know Your Rights page: This page includes fact sheets and multilingual videos. 

• Volunteer Lawyers Network Family and Immigration Preparedness Resources: This page contains a compilation of resources and guides. It also includes forms such as Delegation of Parental Authority. 

• Welcoming America Preparation and Rapid Response Resource Collection: This collection of resources, compiled by Welcoming America, is a living document containing multilingual resources and will continue to be updated. 

Please visit the City’s Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs webpage to learn more. 

Cope Mobile Crisis Response: This is a difficult time for everyone in our City. If you're in crisis or know someone who is, the Cope mobile crisis team can help 24/7. Cope responds to anyone in Hennepin County who needs an urgent response—individuals of any age, families or communities.  

• Cope has bi-lingual and bi-cultural staff available for face-to-face, phone, and video visits and uses interpreters when needed.  

• Call 612-596-1223 or visit https://www.hennepin.us/cope. If the situation is life-threatening or you need immediate response, call 911. 

Other City News & Opportunities 

While we navigate this crisis, the work of the City continues. Here are some other important updates: 

Freezing temperatures and Unhoused Neighbors: with the sudden drop in temperatures, we are prioritizing outreach to ensure our unsheltered residents have access to safe indoor warming spaces and essential services. 

Places to go:  

• Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center (MIWRC) 2300 15th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404. Open overnight when temperatures reach 0° F or below beginning this evening (Thursday, January 15) 

• Hennepin Shelter Connect (HSC) Hotline Phone: 612-204-8200 Online Shelter Availability: Hennepin County Shelter Bed Availability 

 Additional resources and information for unsheltered residents are available on the City’s website: Minneapolis Homelessness Help   

Radon Action Month: Get Your Free Kit January is Radon Action Month. Two in five homes in Minnesota test high for radon, an invisible, odorless gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer. 

• The City offers free radon test kits while supplies last. You can also find information on grant funding for mitigation systems on the City website. 

Serve on a Board or Commission: Your voice can help shape policy. The City is currently accepting applications for several important bodies, including the Audit Committee, Workforce Development Board, and Special Service District Advisory Boards. Many of these committees have spots specifically reserved for Ward 11 residents! If you or someone you know is interested in helping make the city better by filling one of these roles, please reach out.

• Deadline: Apply by January 25.