Dear neighbor,
I am proud of you and our immigrant residents. Your resiliency, strength, and dedication have led to the announcement that “Operation Metro Surge” will end soon. It’s clear that the commitment of our neighbors made it untenable for ICE and federal agents to continue to operate its occupation of our city and state. This isn’t as a result of capitulation from elected leaders. This victory is yours, but we must not stop until ICE is completely abolished, and no more families are ever separated again.
I will forever be thankful to those who patrolled, observed, and supported our community with mutual aid and daily tasks during these horrific times. Our community is full of heroes who will always be remembered as caring and loving. There are no words to show how thankful I am of every single one of you who showed up day in and day out. I hope you’ll join me in continuing to carry the whistle of resistance as our work is not done.
I am still asking the community to remain cautious and vigilant until we can confirm what this truly means. They said they are not backing down from mass deportation but will be ending the operation in Minnesota soon. I recommend you continue your current plan until we can give you more information. We still need observers and the community to be on the lookout. These “draw-downs” are expected to continue through next week, which means we will still need help now and in the future.
Additionally, we must never forget what they did to our neighbors and loved ones. They murdered Renee Good and Alex Pretti, shot Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis in the leg, and kidnapped Victor Manuel Diaz, who then died under ICE custody. We are still mourning, demanding justice, and we will never forget. They targeted our immigrant neighbors and children, discriminated against our community based on skin color and accents, lobbed weapons of war on our parks, and completely shattered families who simply wanted to work, take their kids to schools, and live the American Dream.
I cannot confidently tell you that it’s safe just yet. Here is what is what we need next:
- Continue to patrol, observe, and support your neighbors with daily tasks.
- A recovery package that includes support for small businesses and impacted neighbors who are facing hardship and legal assistance and rental assistance, so our neighbors aren’t displaced.
- No funding for ICE or “immigration enforcement”, the repeal of the Laken Riley Act, and the complete abolition of this system.
- The return of our loved ones from other states or detention centers in MN, including children.
- Any charges against peaceful constitutional observers need to be dropped.
Sincerely,
Jason Chavez – 9th Ward Minneapolis City Council Member
