|
Dear District 6 Residents and Neighbors,
The past couple of weeks have been incredibly difficult in Hennepin County and across Minnesota. Many of us are feeling fear, anger, grief, and deep uncertainty as we witness troubling and harmful actions by Immigration Enforcement agents in our communities. The most devastating of these was the killing of Renee Nicole Good. Renee was a wife and a mother of three children, including a six-year-old son. Her death is a profound and heartbreaking loss, and my heart remains with her family and all those who loved her.
At our County Board meeting this week, we heard compelling testimony from hospital physicians, nurses, staff, and community members regarding the serious concerns associated with the increased presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minnesota, including the harm being experienced in our hospitals and throughout our broader community.
The federal government’s decision to send more than two thousand Immigration Enforcement agents to Minnesota, and reports that another thousand may arrive in the coming days, is deeply alarming. Despite claims that this surge will improve safety, we are hearing clearly from residents, schools, healthcare workers, and businesses that the result has been increased fear, trauma, and harm, not security.
At the same time, these moments have also revealed something powerful about who we are as Minnesotans. Across our county, neighbors are showing up for one another - offering food, safe transportation, shelter, and care; checking in on friends and coworkers; and standing alongside those who are afraid. I am deeply grateful for the compassion and courage so many of you are demonstrating every day.
In response, I joined my colleagues on the Hennepin County Board to pass a Board Action Request formally denouncing the violent and unlawful actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement occurring in our county. We are also continuing to listen closely and to reach out to schools, businesses, faith leaders, and community members to better understand what support is most urgently needed.
If you or someone you know is seeking assistance, I encourage you to visit the County’s response to the federal immigration surge resource page HERE. These resources are intended to help residents navigate this moment with accurate information and support.
I also want to invite you to a virtual “Know Your Rights” Q&A session next week. My office has partnered with Hennepin County Adult Representation Services attorneys and District 6 legislators to provide clear, reliable information in this unprecedented environment.
District 6 Virtual “Know Your Rights” Q&A Session
Date: January 21
Time: 7:00–8:00 p.m.
Location: Microsoft Teams
RSVP: HERE
During this session, attendees may submit questions to attorneys about their rights when encountering Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Six experienced attorneys will be available to provide guidance and answer questions.
I hope this session offers reassurance, clarity, and a sense of connection. Please know that you are not alone, and that we will continue to stand with our communities, especially those who are most impacted, during this difficult time.
Please take good care of yourselves and one another.
Sincerely,
 Heather Edelson
County Commissioner - Hennepin County, District 6
The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners consists of one commissioner from each of seven districts. I am proud to represent Deephaven, north Eden Prairie, Edina, Excelsior, Greenwood, Hopkins, Long Lake, Minnetonka, Minnetonka Beach, northern Mound, Orono, Shorewood, Spring Park, Tonka Bay, Wayzata and Woodland.
|
Heather Edelson
Commissioner
6th District
Raina Meyer
Policy Director
Clara Wicklund
Assistant to the Commissioner
Office Phone Number: 612-348-6885
|
