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As we close out another chaotic week of the federal immigration surge, I wanted to reach out with a brief summary of where things stand and flag some important issues going forward.
I also want to name the fear that so many in our city are living with right now – particularly immigrants and communities of color. People are afraid to leave their homes, to go to work, to take their children to school, or to seek medical care. Such unprecedented attacks call for unprecedented acts of care.
Recent Action
One of those acts of care took place yesterday, when the council passed a unanimous resolution asking the governor to impose an eviction moratorium for the purpose of protecting those who are struggling to make rent because they are afraid to leave their homes. I don’t know what, if anything, the governor will do with this, but I heard from a number of concerned Ward 7 residents in support of this resolution, and I hope the federal government received the message that we won’t allow its tactics to divide us. Thanks to all of you who have spoken up so passionately in defense of your neighbors.
As for what I’ve been up to personally, it’s been a busy time, as you might imagine. I’ve been meeting steadily with neighborhood organizations and other community groups and leaders, all working to exchange information and find avenues for mutual aid. I’m also receiving regular updates from constituents, and I continue to be amazed at the bravery, ingenuity, and commitment being shown by our neighbors each and every day. I’m also in contact with local Ward 7 businesses, who are also suffering from this unjustified federal incursion.
Weekend Protest
This coming Saturday there is a planned demonstration by an out-of-state group with a history of anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim rhetoric. As we understand it, the expected route extends from City Hall to the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood. City officials and the MPD have been working closely with community members to ensure public safety is maintained, and both they and leaders of the local Somali community in the neighborhood have asked that people stay away and avoid this disruptive event.
A Special Shout-Out to MPD
On an entirely different note, I want to extend special thanks to all the dedicated members of the Minneapolis Police Department, who are continuing to serve this community under the most challenging of circumstances. While the Department is strictly observing the City’s separation ordinance and can't arrest ICE, it is still required to protect and preserve public order. Sadly, there have been a number of occasions in which people have failed to understand the distinction between MPD and ICE, and have subjected MPD officers to abuse. While I completely understand and share the general sense of public anger, it’s important not to misdirect that anger at MPD. I am grateful to all at MPD who work so hard each day to protect and serve the residents of this great city. We need them.
Court Actions
Lastly, we’re currently waiting and hoping for federal court action in two separate lawsuits. As I wrote earlier this week, the city has joined Attorney General Ellison in a lawsuit seeking an immediate halt to “Operation Metro Surge,” and is seeking a temporary restraining order. The judge assigned to the case has given the federal government until Monday to file a responsive brief, and the city has until Thursday to be heard in reply. A hearing will presumably be scheduled after that, with a decision to come at the judge’s discretion. Separately, that same court heard argument this week in a suit brought earlier by the ACLU, which seeks to bar ICE and its cohorts from engaging in tactics that violate the First and Fourth Amendments (free speech and unreasonable search and seizure). A ruling is expected shortly.
Stay safe,
Elizabeth Shaffer
Councilmember, Ward 7
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