| Hi Neighbor,
The last two months have been filled with horrific actions and harm inflicted on our communities by Federal immigration enforcement. In my newsletter at the end of 2025, I talked about the beginning of operation Metro Surge, and the ways federal immigration enforcement were, and are, endangering our community. Since then, we have seen an increase in federal immigration enforcement from around 300 to thousands. Just this year, they have murdered Renee Good and Alex Pretti, shot Julio Sosa-Celis in the leg, and harassed and violated the rights of countless Minneapolis residents.
Our city is experiencing an invasion and has been under occupation since early December of 2025. I have watched in horror as immigrant neighbors disappeared, community volunteers detained and brutalized, and the entire region is in danger due to the illegal and reckless actions of Federal Immigration Enforcement. I join the chorus of community members, elected officials, religious leaders, and community members saying, ICE out of Minneapolis, and ICE out of Minnesota. My office continues to work to follow up with residents who’ve or been victim to brutality, and residents with questions and concerns about how ICE is behaving in our communities.
I encourage everyone to get plugged into ways to support our community. Get involved with mutual aid efforts to help provide food and support to those who need it, get a whistle, or attend a rapid response training. The thousands of you who are already organized, who have stepped up in countless ways to defend and support our neighbors, continue to fill me with hope and courage in this moment. It’s the work of people like you who are on the ground, not elected officials, that forced the Trump regime to change tactics. You whistled Bovino out of the city, and 700 agents are now leaving Minnesota. But over 2,000 of them are still here, and I won’t back down until operation Metro Surge has ended, until ICE has fully withdrawn from Minnesota, until ICE is fully abolished. And I know you won’t either.
I hope that you will join me in continuing to demand justice for Alex Pretti, for Renee Good, for the countless people whose rights have been violated, and the families who have been torn apart.
Happy Black History Month! Black History Month is a time dedicated to bringing awareness to Black history, culture, and its numerous activists, pioneers, educators, inventors, and more. I encourage you all, not just for this month but year-round, to dedicate time to learn about Black history, visit, and support local Black artist and business.
You can learn more about special events, discussions, performances, museum exhibits and more that are taking place in Minneapolis this month by visiting Meet Minneapolis.
Increasing Funding for Immigration Legal Services
Last year, the Minneapolis City Council a budget amendment allocating $500,000 to immigrant legal services. Since then, we have only seen an increase in the need for these services. That's why I co-authored a Resolution to allocate an additional $500,000, bringing the total funding allocated for 2026 to $1 million to support our immigrant neighbors in crisis.
Our hope is that with these additional funds, more people who need free legal counsel related to matters of immigration are a ble to access it and protect their legal rights. If you or someone you know is in need of legal assistance, shelter, transportation, or free healthcare, you can find links to resources in the area by visiting the get help page on the website of the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA).
Evict ICE Not US, City Council Calls on Governor Walz to Institute an Eviction Moratorium
 At the January 15th City Council meeting, we unanimously passed the Evict ICE, Not Us resolution calling on Governor Walz to institute an eviction moratorium immediately. Governor Walz is the only governing official with the power to declare what is happening in Minnesota what it is, a state of emergency, and has the power to enact state-wide eviction moratorium.
I want to highlight the many residents that showed up at the council meeting to not only speak for themselves but also on the behalf their neighbors who could not be there for a multitude of reasons. It was inspiring seeing all of you show up at council to share your powerful and moving public testimonies about why it is important and urgent to institute the eviction moratorium to survive this ICE occupation. Thank you all for showing up and speaking out.
Governor Walz has yet to act, but we know that the impossible and terrifying situation many families found themselves in on February 1st will come again when rent is due in March, and when rent is due in April. It’s important that we continue to call on the Governor to halt evictions, here are a few ways you can make your voice heard:
- Call the office of Governor Walz at 651-201-3400 and share why it’s important there are no evictions under this occupation
- Share a message with Governor Walz here and ask for an eviction moratorium to be declared before March 1st
Funding for Rental Assistance
In the absence of an eviction moratorium, it is crucial that we continue to help keep our neighbors stay in their homes. Our housing crisis has since increased in need, and our residents and housing organizations have been advocating for all levels of government to take action in the same way our community has. Many folks have been doing the critical work of fundraising rental support since the beginning of this year, and we know that the impacts of operation metro surge will be felt in our community in the coming weeks, months, and years. It’s important we acknowledge that we cannot just Gofundme our way out of this crisis, our state and local government need to step up.
That's why at last week's City Council meeting, we passed a budget resolution to allocate $1 million to rental assistance. This effort was led by Council Member and Council Minority Leader Robin Wonsley, and I was proud to be added as a co-author of this resolution. I shared just a few of the many stories I’ve heard from constituents about the dire need in our ward right now with my colleagues. Everyone, no matter their status, no matter what is happening in our country and city, deserves safe, stable, and dignified housing. $1 million is a drop in the bucket, but it is a start. I’ll be continuing to work with my colleagues and governmental partners to ensure we continue addressing this need while we keep advocating for an eviction moratorium.
Pause Evictions, Save Lives
Last week, Council Minority Leader Robin Wonsley brought forward the Pause Evictions, Save Lives ordinance. The goal of this ordinance is to temporarily extend pre-eviction notice. Pre-eviction notice is the notice landlords are required to provide before any tenant is evicted for missed rent. Right now, in Minneapolis, landlords are legally required to give that notice 30 days before the eviction takes place. This ordinance would temporarily extend that notice from 30 days to 60 through July 31st of this year. This had my full support. While our neighbors who are being terrorized by the federal government are being forced to shelter in place, a 60-day notice would provide more time for them to get help and make rent to avoid eviction.
Council Member Wonsley asked that the Council use a procedural rule to fast track this Ordinance to ensure that, if passed, the Ordinance would be in place before rent is due next on March 1st. This rule requires unanimous consent in order to pass, meaning to ensure it was in place by March 1st, all 13 Council Members would have to vote yes to the rule change. I was proud to support this. Unfortunately, not all of my colleagues were willing to do the same. Because the vote was not unanimous, the Ordinance failed, meaning families facing eviction in March are less likely to receive rental assistance or mutual aid because of the time constraints.
Despite the expedited process not passing, the Ordinance has still been introduced and will be moving through the standard legislative process. I will be doing everything in my power to ensure that this Ordinance passes, so that this urgently needed change is enacted. Pause Evictions, Save Lives will help keep families in their homes. As it moves through the legislative process, I would encourage those of you who are able to express your support.
Resources and Protections
Here is a list of several resources and organizations I strongly encourage you to look into if you need assistance or if you would like to donate or volunteer.
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The City of Minneapolis Federal Response is the best place to get verified up-to-date City responses to Federal actions, such as press conferences. You can also find information on the City’s immigration enforcement policy, your rights if stopped or approached by Federal agents, and the City’s resources for legal support, and emergency housing connections. This is webpage best serves as an information page.
- Virtual Resource Center is part of the Federal Response page created by the City. On this page you will find a compilation of resources for food shelters, Housing and Shelter assistance, Mental health, and prescription drug resources.
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MIRAC - Resources offers a list of legal support organizations and who to contact based on your status.
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Urban Tails Pet Supply has a pet food and supplies drive for people with pet needs. They have partnered with North Minneapolis Pet Resource Center to help distribute to residents.
Legal Support
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HomeLine is a free legal support organization for renters. They can help answer any questions you may have about your housing situation.
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Legal aid is similar to HomeLine but provides legal assistance to a wide range of cases such as disability, Immigration and citizenship.
Tenant Protections from Evictions
If you have late or missed payments on rent and at risk of eviction, you still have rights as a renter. Your property owner cannot immediately evict you for failed payment, they are legally required to provide you notice 30 days in advance that details how much you owe, and how you can pay it. Upon receiving this notice, you have 30 days to make the payment in full to avoid eviction.
You have the right to a lawyer in eviction cases. If you are struggling to find or pay for legal representation, please contact one of the resources above or visit the website of Hennepin County’s Adult Representation Services and find out if you are eligible for support.
You can learn more about your rights as a tenant by visiting the City website. If you feel any of these rights are being violated, please contact the City by calling 311 or emailing them at minneapolis311@minneapolismn.gov.
Renter Resources Temporary Protections from XCEL Energy
Xcel Energy has implemented new temporary protections to help customers impacted by the current events who have lost income, are not able to go to work, or may be fearful to reach out to us for the regular protections we offer our customers.
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Xcel Energy suspended disconnections for residential and commercial customers in Minneapolis and St. Paul, effective Jan. 27.
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Effective Feb. 5, Xcel Energy extended the suspension of disconnections for residential and commercial customers to all 7 Metro counties, through the end of February.
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Customers do not need to call the company to request this disconnection protection. However, their bills will continue to accrue during the suspension, if you are struggling to make payments you can call 800-895-4999 to arrange flexible payment arrangements and energy assistance.
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Xcel allows one late payment charge forgiveness per year to any customer who requests it, so if you need it you can reach out to the number above and request a late payment charge removal from your account.
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Xcel Energy uses bilingual agents and a Language Line (3-way interpreter service) to provide customer service in all major languages spoken in the Twin Cities Metro. If you are an Xcel customers in need of assistance, contact Customer Service at 800-895-4999 or go to https://mn.my.xcelenergy.com/s/billing-payment/manage-bill.
These protections and resources are not an exhaustive list! Connect with your community and shop our local businesses, ask what people need in this moment, and stay informed by —
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Checking this newsletter!
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Check out the Metro Ice Out Report channel on YouTube for regular updates on what’s happening with ICE in the Twin Cities, and Minnesota. Led by our Intergovernmental Relations Chair, Council Member Chowdhury, this channel provides updates from elected leaders at all different levels in the Twin Cities.
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Getting connected with your Neighborhood association to stay active in your area, check out the website for your neighborhood association —
In closing, I want to say that today I’m still thinking about Renee Good. I’m still thinking about Alex Pretti. The memorial on Nicollet for Alex has become a beautiful space to honor Alex, be connected with community, and stay centered and inspired to continue this fight. I encourage you to visit, and while you’re there, stop in and shop local.
Visit the Ice Out Now Minnesota website to find out about actions, and don’t hesitate to reach out to my office about what’s happening in the ward.
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