🧊 ICE activity ramps up throughout Longfellow

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Federal immigration activity continues to pick up throughout the neighborhood this week, as more agents are being deployed to the Twin Cities in what federal officials are calling their largest immigration enforcement campaign ever. 

Masked agents in SUVs have become increasingly common sights throughout the neighborhood, both on the main thoroughfares and side streets, often trailed by groups of honking cars. Observers have reported several arrests and detentions, though official information is sparse.

One man was taken from his car near 40th and Hiawatha, according to a Sahan Journal report about companies offering free or discounted towing services for the growing number of people whose cars are left behind after being detained. In another instance, neighbors organized a tow for a daycare worker who was reportedly taken while walking into Jardin’s Minnehaha Avenue location. Another resident reported a man being detained on a side street near 44th Avenue and 36th Street. 

Many neighbors are remaining at home out of fear of detention, foregoing work and school. Minneapolis Public Schools is offering distance learning options for parents who are keeping their children home. On Sunday, councilmember Jason Chavez, whose Ward 9 covers the northwest quadrant of the neighborhood, issued an alert to constituents that “if you are vulnerable to deportation please stay home today. I’m sorry to say this but it’s not safe to be outside.” 

Small businesses are also reporting challenges with both customers and staff staying home. Ecuadorian restaurant Galapagos Bar and Grill remains open but keeps its door locked. Others have reduced hours due to staffing shortages. A group of neighbors are organizing regular lunch outings to immigrant-owned restaurants. 

Groups of residents, with varying levels of organization, have also been more visible. More than 100 people showed up to a candlelight vigil on Wednesday night at Longfellow Park to mourn the death of Renee Good, who was shot and killed by an ICE agent earlier that afternoon west of the neighborhood. Groups of observers have been visible at busy intersections and outside of immigrant-owned businesses, as well as following ICE vehicles. Volunteers are present at several neighborhood schools and daycares during pickup and dropoff periods. A recurring protest starts at 36th and Lake Street each Friday morning from 8:30-9:30 a.m.

For more information on the neighborhood group coordinating much of that activity, respond to this e-mail. 

A variety of fundraising campaigns have popped up to support impacted families. The LoNo Fund has raised close to $25,000 since it launched yesterday for what it says is helping five Longfellow families with rent, groceries, healthcare, transportation, and legal support. The neighborhood-based Do’gooders MN is coordinating food delivery. Soup For You! Cafe, in addition to serving daily free meals, is also the most robust food shelf in the neighborhood.

The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota provides a series of fact sheets on your rights in interacting with immigration agents. Longfellow-based nonprofit COPAL has a hotline for immediate support: (612) 255-3112.