Stand with Minnesota
Minnesota’s labor movement has sounded the alarm about the impact of aggressive ICE operations in the state. Militarized federal enforcement is terrorizing everyday life and undermining community safety — keeping people from going to work, school, or into their neighborhoods without fear.
Minnesota AFL-CIO's statement reads as follows:
The Executive Board of the Minnesota AFL-CIO, the state’s federation of more than 1,000 affiliated local unions, voted to endorse Friday’s Day of Truth and Freedom as Minnesotans stand together against ICE’s occupation of our communities and the unconstitutional detention of countless innocent Minnesotans including a significant number of union members.
Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bernie Burnham said:
“ICE’s continued occupation, actions, and tactics are harming communities throughout Minnesota and making us all less safe. They are indiscriminately targeting Minnesotans of color, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. Many people are fearful of daily activities like going to work, shopping for groceries, and sending their children to school.
“Minnesotans have and continue to show up for one another – whether that be delivering food, walking kids to school, or standing watch in our neighborhoods. Following Rene Good’s killing, nonviolent protesters are putting their lives on the line to speak up for basic decency while exercising their constitutionally protected right to free speech.
“On Friday, union members will join with our fellow Minnesotans to reject fear and speak with one voice as we call for ICE to leave our state, no additional funding for ICE, legal accountability for ICE’s killing of Renee Good, and for Minnesota’s large corporations to stop cooperating with ICE.”
On Friday, the Minnesota AFL-CIO is asking union members to join the peaceful afternoon march downtown (see recommendations for attending in the cold weather) and not to shop.
We stand with the Minnesota AFL-CIO in defending our shared values and urging union members, families, and allies nationwide to raise awareness and support efforts to protect civil rights and community well-being.
How can you / your union help?
- Share the Minnesota AFL-CIO statement on your social media
- Help with emergency legal funds and mutual aid for union members detained and sent to other states. Many find themselves without resources to return home even after proving their status. If you can contribute or have partners who might be interested, please send them here. Checks are encouraged, as to avoid additional service fees.
- On Friday, January 23, encourage members to wear blue and post photos using #MNAFLCIO. Other ways to show support include placing candles in windows, holding faith vigils or writing to Minnesota-based corporations.
- Take action here to demand Congress hold ICE accountable to the law.