Dear Ward 11,
There are many emotions for today: relief, skepticism, elation, sorrow, fury. I want to take a moment to express my immense gratitude for how you have shown up. Minneapolis, you are heroes.
This morning, Border Czar Tom Homan announced the imminent end of Operation Metro Surge.
I am hopeful this will be the end, but only time and action will tell. Regardless I will not stop working until ICE has left Minnesota, justice is served, and we have confidence this will never happen again. This will not be over until the harm to our City is rectified.
Minneapolis will never forget that three of our neighbors lost their lives during Operation Metro Surge: Renee Good, Alex Pretti, and Víctor Manuel Díaz. We will not stop decrying the unnecessary and unconstitutional federal violence that took our brave neighbors from us. We will not stop demanding justice.
The impact of this invasion has been humanitarian and economic, and recovery will require support from every level of government. I will share more in the coming days and weeks about how the City is ensuring that ICE leaves Minnesota and how we are helping our residents, schools, and small businesses rebuild. Please continue to donate your dollars, time, and food to local food pantries, rapid response efforts, and mutual aid programs. These services will still be sorely needed in the months to come.
In short, please continue doing what you are doing; it is what has gotten us to today. Thank you, Ward 11, for keeping our neighbors safe.
All my love,
Jamison Whiting
