We are horrified to be responding to yet another killing by federal agents of another member of our community, Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse who cared for veterans. Another life unjustly taken, and just days after 50,000 Minnesotans gathered to peacefully protest the harm that our community, our state, and our country are experiencing in the face of ongoing violations of our civil and constitutional rights, but more importantly, the violation of human decency and dignity.
To Alex’s family, friends, and community, we mourn with you. And we commit to holding the sorrow in our hearts and the righteous anger in our souls, with our unwavering commitment to our community, our steadfast strength, and unshakeable resolve to stand up and care for one another.
To our staff, the families we serve, our neighbors, our community, and those near and far who stand with us, we say:
People Serving People strongly condemns the presence and actions of federal ICE agents and Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota. We stand with immigrant communities, communities of color, observers, and protestors targeted by these abuses of power, which violate our civil, constitutional, and human rights.
As Minnesota’s largest nonprofit serving families experiencing homelessness, we know Minnesota is a special place. Our community is made up of thousands who give their time, talent, and treasure to help us carry out our mission.
We have always been proud to be part of Minnesota’s amazing community, but our pride in our neighbors grows daily because you keep showing up for each other. There is no one way—or right way—to show up, but here are concrete actions everyone can take to support our community:
- Get to know your neighbors.
- Show someone you don’t know that you care.
- Don’t let anyone steal your hope or your joy.
- Take care of yourself and your mental health by setting boundaries, seeking support, or accessing resources as needed.
- Equip yourself with information about what is happening in your community and its impacts.
Finally, when you can, stand up as safely as you can. We have the collective power of our community to bring about change.
1. Know your rights
Prepare yourself and your neighbors by knowing your rights. A few great resources for this include the “Know Your Rights with ICE” guide from the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office and the Immigrant Law Center’s community-specific guides.
2. Advocate
Now is the time. Silence, when you have the power to speak, is complicit. The current situation is not normal. It is unethical and immoral. We can, and must, be better and do better. Talk to a family member who lives outside of Minnesota, join a vigil or peaceful protest, write an email, or send a note of encouragement to community organizers.
Contact your elected representatives and make your voice heard:
Find your local and state representatives
Find your federal representatives
3. Act
Do something to support your fellow Minnesotans. There are many resources available to help you determine the best way to support your community. The Minnesota Council for Nonprofits is a great place to start. Please see MCN’s “Resources: supporting community during ICE operations.”
4. Give
You can support Minnesotans by donating to organizations that help our community stay safe.
We also ask for your ongoing support to keep families experiencing—or at risk of experiencing—homelessness surrounded with support and care. ICE’s unlawful operations come at a real cost (direct and indirect) to most Minnesota nonprofits. Help us support families and defray the expense of keeping our community safe.
