COPAL strongly repudiates the escalating violence and terror inflicted on immigrant and working-class communities by federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota. What our communities experienced last night—and in recent weeks—is unacceptable, inhumane, and dangerous.
Families were terrorized by ICE agents amid widespread fear and confusion, including an incident in which a six-month-old baby was exposed to chemical irritants. These actions reflect a disturbing pattern of reckless federal enforcement that treats our neighborhoods as battlefields. Minneapolis is not a war zone. Our communities should not be subjected to military-style operations that endanger lives and traumatize families.
The excessive, violent, and irresponsible presence of ICE in the Twin Cities has led to chaos, fear, the apprehension of U.S. citizens, assaults against protesters, family separations, and the loss of life. This pattern of abuse must end. ICE cannot continue operating with impunity under the direction of federal authorities while communities pay the price.
Acts committed by ICE agents that violate the law, terrorize residents, and cause injury or death must not be shielded from accountability. These actions require independent and thorough investigation. When misconduct is confirmed, those responsible must face real consequences, including criminal and disciplinary proceedings. Anything less allows violence against our communities to continue unchecked.
We call on elected officials at every level to use their political power to intervene and stop the harm being carried out by the Department of Homeland Security, ICE, and Border Patrol. Our communities deserve protection, dignity, and safety—not fear and intimidation. Actions taken by Minnesota leaders to defend civil rights send an important message that no agency is above the law and that people’s rights matter.
Congress has both the authority and the obligation to act. Through the appropriations process, lawmakers must demand meaningful reforms to ICE and Border Patrol or move to significantly reduce their funding. Failure to do so enables continued abuses of power and ongoing violations of human rights.
We reject the politically motivated targeting of Minnesota and other states for standing up for democratic values. Our communities are not political pawns. Our lives are not campaign tools. We demand an immediate end to this escalation of state violence and a commitment to respecting the humanity of all people.
It is unjust for public tax dollars to fund masked, heavily armed agents who instill fear and cause harm. Real public safety comes from investing in what communities actually need: accessible health care, dignified housing, strong public education, and policies that support thriving families. Minnesota does not need more ICE violence—we need justice, accountability, and care.
COPAL stands with our community. We will continue to speak the truth, demand accountability, and fight for a future rooted in dignity, safety, and humanity for all.
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About COPAL
COPAL Minnesota is a membership-based organization committed to improving the quality of life for Latine communities in Minnesota. For more information, visit www.copalmn.org
