Information and Resources Regarding ICE
Dear neighbors,
At our January Board meeting we heard from many neighbors concerned about ICE activity in our city. We heard from City Council Member Elizabeth Shaffer about the city’s response. You can sign up and read past issues of her newsletter here. We came together to draft this statement.
The Bryn Mawr Neighborhood Association is an organization made up of neighbors who care about supporting the well-being of our community, and that is why we are deeply distressed by recent violent actions taken by ICE in Minneapolis. We recognize that these ongoing events are causing real fear and harm, particularly for the most vulnerable members of our community.
We stand in support of our immigrant neighbors and are committed to fostering mutual understanding, respect and connection in our community. Our strength is showing up for one another.
The BMNA will continue to share resources of vetted community organizations and groups that are providing assistance and training for those interested in getting involved as well as opportunities to care for each other in meaningful ways during this difficult time.
Bryn Mawr neighbors are organizing several different efforts in response to ICE presence in our city. They are listed below.
Bryn Mawr Efforts
Demonstrate There are peaceful demonstrations every Wednesday from 3:45-4:45pm on the pedestrian bridge over 394 which connects Thomas Ave S. This event is organized by Bryn Mawr neighbors.
Donate to our school families Parent groups at both our neighborhood schools, Bryn Mawr Elementary and Anwatin Middle, are raising money to provide groceries and other items for families affected by the surge of Immigration officers in our community. The needs are large. There are also groups for people who want to volunteer to buy groceries. See QR codes below.
Here is a link to the Anwatin Fund. https://www.givebacks.com/causes/pass/campaigns/fcaa27f8a79d5d
The information for the Bryn Mawr Fund is listed below
Join a Neighborhood Discussion Group on Signal. Signal is an encrypted text messaging group. Click on these links to take you to the specific group on Signal. If you are uncomfortable using Signal ask a neighbor, many are in the groups and might be willing to share pertinent information. To learn more about using Signal, here is a guide.
Solidarity Network Signal Group. Group of neighbors helping neighbors and general topics regarding ICE.
Volunteer to shop for groceries for families at Bryn Mawr or Anwatin School. Sign up for either Signal group and get messages when shoppers are needed. You will receive a grocery list and will drop the groceries off at a designated location in the neighborhood the next day. Someone else will deliver them. Partner with a neighbor on Signal to help pay for the groceries or take turns shopping. Bryn Mawr Pizzas and activities are being added to the deliveries!
Bryn Mawr Elementary Food Support Helping BME families in need, centered on volunteering to buy groceries.
Anwatin Phoenix Family Shoppers. Helping Anwatin families in need, centered on volunteering to buy groceries.
Donation Organizers Help out in the afternoons at the grocery drop off site in the neighborhood. Keep drop offs organized and ready for pick up by drivers.
Join a North Minneapolis patrol Signal group
Join a Bryn Mawr/Near North Rapid Response Signal group
Support our neighborhood businesses. More people are staying inside to avoid confrontations. Businesses can use our help. Bryn Mawr Pizza is donating pizzas to our school families. Pizzas are going home with grocery deliveries. So far they have donated 18 pizzas Call or stop in to donate to this effort.
Update or create a Block email list. Now is a good time to stay connected. Check on each other.
Volunteer at Bryn Mawr Elementary on Fridays for Every Meal, a weekend food backpack program. Sign up
Join the Oasis group Next meeting is Tuesday, January 20 at 7pm online or in person. They will be discussing Welcome to January in America by Kate Bowler. Discussion focus on current challenges, share insights, and decompress from the world. Each meeting will begin with a reading or exercise to ground us and focus our thoughts. Meets 1/20, 2/3, 2/17. Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, 420 Cedar Lake Rd S, 612.377.5222
Outside Bryn Mawr
Support immigrant run businesses. Many have been targeted, are short on staff or have been closed for safety. Call and see if you can get take out or order in.
Eviction Moratorium The City Council unanimously passed a resolution calling on the State of Minnesota and Governor Walz to enact an eviction moratorium. You can sign onto this petition calling on state officials to take action to provide a rental protection that would prevent tenants who are unable to pay rent from being evicted.
Rental Assistance. Donate to or apply for funds from the Powderhorn Renter Assistance Fund. All city residents are eligible. https://www.ppna.org/renter-support-fund
If you are seeking more ways for yourself or your organization to be more involved local organizations include Unidos and Monarca, an organization that shares resources and holds regular upstander, legal observer, and know your rights trainings.
The MN Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC) is also very active and often engages in direct action, raid response, and demonstrations.
The Southwest Alliance for Equity, a coalition of SW Neighborhoods, has compiled a reosuce list https://linktr.ee/SWMPLS_Response
Another resource is Council Member Elizabeth Shaffer’s newsletter. You can sign up and read past issues here. https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/city-council/members/ward-7/newsletters/
From the Ward 7 newsletter,
“A number of residents and local businesses have reached out to the ward office to seek guidance or ask how they can help. For business owners, the city has compiled a range of resources that are available here. For residents, the city offers comprehensive guidance on personal safety and rights here, and for residents wishing to engage more actively to assert their constitutional rights and monitor ICE activity directly, the city recommends the this resource.”
If you or someone you know is impacted, there are resources available, including free legal clinics with immigration attorneys. You can access these clinics through Community Clinics - Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid and Clinics - Volunteer Lawyers Network. The City of Minneapolis Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs also hosts office hours on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 2-4pm at 777 East Lake Stfor anyone who needs orientation on how to access these resources.