Minnesota

Much of the world has been focused on Minnesota because of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Operation Metro Surge. What gives me hope is the many ways neighbors are caring for neighbors. Food shelves are full of food and volunteers. I have heard so many beautiful stories of ways people are taking care of one another. It helps to combat the horrors of what has been happening. I’ve been discouraged by some of the misinformation that has been shared by certain media outlets and people. Therefore, I am sharing some of what I can verify.

One of my friends and colleagues who has been on the front lines has written two articles. This article is about all the clergy from across the country who came to witness and help. “Minneapolis is the Testing Ground” is a call to faith and action. Both articles give you a glimpse into what is actually going on. I continue to hear that it is worse than what is being depicted in the news. Another colleague wrote “Lessons from Minneapolis for People of Faith.” It offers some ideas of ways other communities and individuals may want to respond.

There are many wonderful organizations leading the way. I am hesitant to share them, because I do not want to put a target on them. Instead, I will say that you can contact me directly, and let me know what kind of support you want to give (church, food, justice work, etc.) and I can give you some choices.

I turn to Scripture for hope, and there are so many stories that are applicable! God is always on the side of the oppressed. What has been bringing me hope is actually from Ecclesiastes 1:2,9: Vanity of vanities says the Teacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity. What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; there is nothing new under the sun. While this is a unique problem, it is not the first time immigrants have been targeted, even in our own country. Injustice is common, and this is just a new version of it. That may not sound hopeful to you, but the hope for me comes from knowing that this is temporary. Following Jesus, treating everyone with love, even our “enemies,” is our job. As Jesus taught, and others have said, love is the most powerful force in the world. It is stronger than hate. Let’s love and care for one another.

Minnesota is running low on red yarn, but The Red Hat Resistance invites us to wear red hats on February 26. I have a couple of dear friends who are knitting hats for others. Knit and crochet patterns are available for $5, and again contact me and I’ll send you the link.

Last week approximately 700 ICE agents were withdrawn from MN. That leaves 2,300. The turmoil continues. A recent document from CBS News shows that less than 14% of those arrested by ICE in the last year had criminal records. The stories I know are about people being detained who are either U.S. Citizens, here legally, or awaiting asylum or other status that is tied up in the court system. Immigration law is civil law, yet immigrants are being criminalized.

ICE was formed in 2003, in response to the tragic events of 9/11. They are tasked with immigration laws and felonies (like human trafficking and drugs), and not state laws.

So far at least three parts of our Constitution have been violated by Operation Metro Surge.

1. First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

2. Fourth Amendment :The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

3. Fifth Amendment: No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Peaceful protesters have been assaulted with chemical irritants. Less than a mile from my house, ICE set up a checkpoint for all car traffic, which they do not have the authority to do. People are carrying their passports or other documentation with them. It has been debated whether that is safer, or just a copy. Regardless, people are being detained, and then released from the federal building. The fear is palpable here, and it is intentional “psychic terror.” People are being flown to Texas, where a record number of immigrants are being detained, without due process., and most do not have criminal records. One example is the father and son Liam Ramos, who many of you have read about, but there are many more. One local school district is missing many children. Parents are making heartbreaking decisions about whether to bring their children with them or not. School officials are trying to protect children, and they also have to abide by parents’ wishes.

Several school districts have offered online school. Many more are starting to offer it. This is not just a metro problem, but the entire state is affected. Meanwhile, neighbors are delivering food, doing laundry, guarding bus stops, taking children to and from school, and many, many other acts of love.

I have lived in Minnesota for 18.5 years. When I first moved here, I complained about how white it was, both the snow and the people. Yet, for some reason, Minnesota is the target. The population is around 5.84 millions, and 78% are white. Yet, this is one of the many places being targeted. I am thankful to be a part of a community that cares for its neighbors and knows that we are all beloved children of God.

If you made it to the end, thanks for reading. We appreciate your prayers, light, and love for all our neighbors. Call your Congresspeople. Love your neighbor, and get to know someone who is different from you. We are better together.