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As we approach the close of my third week in office, it feels like one apt description is simply to say “there is no normal.” As has been the case for weeks now, Minneapolis continues to feel the full effects of the unprecedented ICE surge, with each day bringing notable new developments, while other more day-to-day issues continue to need attention as well. We all are experiencing this strain….stretching to give time, energy and money above and beyond, yet still maintaining our daily responsibilities. Fortunately, Minneapolis residents are both strong and increasingly well-organized. While we see and hear of new ICE abuses every single day, the love and support we are showing each other is a source of hope and inspiration to all.
ICE Update
From a city standpoint, the main developments this week have been legal. The federal government filed its brief on Monday opposing the City’s motion for a temporary restraining order against ICE. The government called our motion frivolous. The City’s reply brief is due today, and I received news this afternoon that a hearing has been set for this coming Monday, January 26th.
Meanwhile, in the “sad but predictable” category, the temporary injunction that the ACLU obtained against ICE on Friday was stayed by the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals yesterday. This means that while the district court’s injunction order hasn’t been reversed, it won’t be enforceable until the matter has been reviewed and decided by the court of appeals. That could take a while – we’ll see.
Separate from these individual lawsuits, reports of ICE abuses continue to pile up on a daily basis. Yesterday there was a report of a five year-old being used as “bait” in Columbia Heights; we saw reports of an ICE memo justifying widespread warrantless entries into residences; and, there were images of Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino throwing a gas canister at protesters, as well as agents spraying chemicals directly in a person’s face at 28th and Blaisdell. The sheer callousness on display is equal parts heartbreaking and infuriating. I’ve been receiving regular daily updates on ICE activity in Ward 7, and for anyone who observes ICE abuses first-hand, the Attorney General’s Office has established a central reporting system. Please take the time to log what you’ve seen.
On the good news front, avenues for providing direct support to individuals and families in need are becoming more numerous and well-developed. The City provides regular public updates regarding resources and recommendations. Additionally, private aid efforts are expanding almost daily, As with any initiative, you should do your own research before offering your support.
ICE Out Strike
Many individuals and businesses are observing a one-day strike tomorrow, January 23rd, to protest the ICE presence in the metro area. If you have plans to be out in the community on Friday, please check ahead to confirm that the locations you plan to visit are open. Bring Me the News has a running list of businesses that will be closed. Additionally, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board voted to close the parks.
This afternoon, the City Council unanimously issued a Statement of Support for General Strike and Day of Truth and Freedom. It ends with these words: “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.”
As for the Ward 7 office, we will remain open. We’re public employees, and we never know what each day will bring, so we'll remain at our posts. But like all of you, we want ICE out of Minneapolis, and out now.
Stabilizing Uptown
While ICE has obviously dominated the news, I’ve been receiving regular outreach from Ward 7 residents who are rightly concerned about the state of Uptown – crime and open drug use in particular. Please know that I hear you loud and clear, and addressing this urgent situation is a top priority for my office.
Yesterday I met with the leadership team at the Minneapolis Police Department’s Fifth Precinct, and the state of Uptown was one of the major points of discussion. As briefed by Inspector Novak and his team, MPD is making a concerted push to address Uptown’s crime and drug use problems. Among other things, the precinct’s Community Response Team is establishing a regular presence in Uptown and the surrounding area, two officers are working as part of a separate directed patrol unit, and precinct staff are working with local property owners to post “no trespassing” signs. These signs give authority for MPD and the city attorney’s office to take action against habitual violators. I left the meeting deeply impressed with the precinct’s detailed knowledge and obvious commitment, and I’m very grateful for the work they do in our community each day.
In addition, I just wrapped up a multi-jurisdictional call with staff from the City, Met Transit, and Hennepin County, for the purpose of mounting a coordinated response to the persistent problems we’re seeing in Uptown. The plan is to add local law enforcement agencies to the group, lean in on Hennepin County’s opioid response expertise, and start developing some coordinated strategies for effectively addressing these complex and persistent problems.
In the meantime, thanks to all of you who have reached out to me and my office over the past several weeks. I greatly appreciate your ideas, your engagement, and your passion, and I firmly believe that the best solutions come when we all work together.
Thank you, stay safe, and stay warm!
Elizabeth Shaffer
Councilmember, Ward 7 |
