Neighbors are delivering groceries, bringing kids to school, and helping those who are too scared to leave their homes. People are stepping out in the freezing cold to peacefully protest and use their voices to defend our community and our country. Observers are playing a critical role to document dangerous and reckless enforcement and ensure justice.
McKnight Foundation stands with all those choosing love and solidarity in the face of fear. The resources below provide more information for ways to help in this moment.
Use your voice and your platforms to speak up. The good people of Minnesota—and all people who live in America—deserve to live in peace and without fear of being targeted and losing fundamental rights and freedoms. We need to stand up for our neighbors and speak up to preserve the fundamental rights and liberties upon which we all rely.
Below are some images that represent how the best of Minnesota and America are showing up in the worst of circumstances and how, even in the harshest of winters, Minnesotans have the warmest of hearts. Feel free to download and share these images with the hashtags #BestofMinnesota and #BestofAmerica.
Across Minnesota, we are seeing extraordinary acts of quiet courage and care as neighbors step up to protect one another in the face of increased ICE activity. Immigrant-owned businesses, community groups, and everyday Minnesotans are finding ways to keep families safe, fed, and supported—often at real personal and financial cost.
Minnesota is stronger when we care for one another—and when we act together to ensure everyone can live, work, and care for their loved ones with dignity and safety.
For those asking, “What can I do?” there are meaningful, tangible ways to show up right now:
Several Minnesota-based organizations are helping to educate the public to know and exercise their rights—safely, peacefully, with care for one another—and with a focus on de-escalation and bearing witness to what is taking place where we all live and work, where our kids go to school, at our hospitals and bus stops, our stores and places of worship.
COPAL, Immigrant Defense Network, Centro de Direito do Imigrante de Minnesota, CAIR-MN, e Unidos MN (among others) offer education and training on community safety, constitutional observing, and what to do if you encounter federal agents. Below are resources these organizations provide.
If you witness or are directly impacted and need support:
If you or a family member is being detained:
