As frigid winds chilled the air, nearly 100 individuals gathered at the First Unitarian Universalist Church in Rochester, seeking to stand in solidarity with their neighbors amid rising concerns over immigration enforcement in Minnesota. Hosted by the Immigrant Defense Network (IDN), the recent constitutional observer training aimed to equip attendees with the knowledge and tools needed to document federal immigration activities, especially as a surge of Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) agents has descended upon the Twin Cities.
The seminar was part of the IDN’s Brave of Us Tour, an ambitious 30-city initiative designed to broaden its influence throughout the Midwest. Edwin Torres Desantiago, the network’s manager, emphasized the urgent need for community mobilization in light of the increased federal presence. “With that many agents in our communities, we needed to quickly mobilize every corner of our state,” he remarked.
Founded in response to the political climate following President Trump’s election, the IDN has rapidly evolved into a coalition of over 110 immigrant, labor, legal, faith, and community organizations across Minnesota. Torres Desantiago noted that the constitutional observers have played a crucial role in the IDN’s mission to uphold constitutional rights amidst a backdrop of heightened enforcement actions. He highlighted the vital function of observers in ensuring accountability and documenting transgressions by federal agents.
Rochester resident Macaila Eick expressed her motivation, recalling her fascination with history and reflecting on how future generations will perceive the actions of the present. “I want to be able to answer that question and be proud about it,” she shared.
Educator Jennifer Meyer attended the session to support her students, some of whom have been absent from school due to fears of federal agents. She conveyed the importance of ensuring a safe, welcoming environment for her students, stating, “When they feel they can’t even come here because they fear they may get pulled over, detained, I can’t sit here and do nothing.” The training provided her with courage and a sense of direction during these uncertain times.
The IDN’s efforts highlight the evolving landscape of immigration enforcement in Minnesota, as communities across the state express interest in learning how to respond to similar situations in their own areas. Torres Desantiago acknowledged the increasing demand for training, stating, “The community is telling us, ‘please, we want to be trained on how to respond for our neighbors.’”
The Brave of Us Tour has made significant strides in not only providing training sessions throughout Minnesota but also expanding its reach into neighboring regions such as Fargo, North Dakota. IDN organizing director Yeng Her noted the necessity of tailoring approaches to different communities, especially in areas where local law enforcement collaborates with federal agencies on immigration enforcement.
As communities remain vigilant, the IDN continues to empower individuals with the knowledge of their rights during interactions with immigration officials. The training focuses on effective documentation practices and understanding legal requirements, aimed at ensuring that participants can accurately report federal activities and support their neighbors without perpetuating fear or misinformation.
Attendees, motivated by a shared sense of purpose, left the training with renewed hope and determination. Each participant recognized the significance of their role in the ongoing fight for justice, reinforcing the IDN’s mission to foster connected, aware communities. “Right now, people are choosing love for their neighbors,” Torres Desantiago remarked, a sentiment that encapsulates the spirit of the training and the broader movement toward solidarity in the face of adversity.