Minnesota in Pain: What Our Communities Are Feeling as Federal Immigration Enforcement Intensifies

Written By Kristina Wright-Peterson

Over the past weeks, Minnesota has been at the center of a national story that has shaken communities, stirred deep emotions, and raised urgent questions about safety, justice, and the role of federal power in our neighborhoods.

In Minneapolis, two fatal shootings involving federal immigration agents have drawn widespread outrage and heartbreak. A 37-year-old ICU nurse, Alex Pretti, was shot and killed by a U.S. Border Patrol agent on January 24 during a federal immigration enforcement operation under what the government calls Operation Metro Surge. This tragic death came only weeks after another Minneapolis resident, Renée Good, was killed earlier in January in a separate federal enforcement action.

Across the Twin Cities and beyond, Minnesotans are expressing grief, fear, anger, and anxiety. Vigils and memorials have sprung up to honor the lives lost, while protests and demonstrations have drawn thousands of people into the streets—some calling for accountability and others demanding that federal agents leave the state entirely.

These moments are not just political headlines—they are deeply human. Families are mourning loved ones whose lives were cut short. Neighbors and community members are wrestling with fear and uncertainty about what comes next. Advocates who serve immigrants and vulnerable people worry about escalating tensions, the safety of those they support, and the long-term implications for trust in public institutions.

The emotional weight on Minnesotans is palpable:

  • Grief for lives lost and futures taken too soon.

  • Worry from people who fear that enforcement actions could affect their communities, friends, or families.

  • Anger at systems that feel unresponsive or unjust to people’s lived experiences.

  • Exhaustion among nonprofit leaders, advocates, and volunteers who are doing the hard work of supporting people through crisis and trauma.


For many in Minnesota, this isn’t abstract policy—it’s personal. It affects neighbors walking their dogs, healthcare workers caring for others, and families building lives here.

In times like these, community matters most. We will continue to share perspectives, insights, and resources that help organizations and individuals process what’s happening, support one another, and work toward a future where safety, justice, and compassion guide our shared path forward.


Resources for Compassionate Support and Action in Minnesota

The recent escalation of federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota has not only sparked public debates—it has created real, human needs across our communities. People are experiencing fear, grief, anxiety, and uncertainty about the future. Families are struggling to feel safe in their neighborhoods, students are fearful at school, and service providers are working around the clock to respond with care and compassion.

If you’re feeling moved to help—or if you’re seeking support for yourself, your community, or someone you serve—here are trusted resources offering legal help, community aid, mental health support, and ways to stand in solidarity during this difficult time.

Legal & Know-Your-Rights Support

Community Support & Mutual Aid

  • Copal-Empowers participants with resources and opportunities for better health, prosperity, and community engagement. We provide holistic support, addressing diverse challenges and connecting strengths to new skills for long-term well-being.

  • Stand With Minnesota Donation & Mutual Aid Directory – A growing hub of funds, mutual aid efforts, and local campaigns supporting families facing financial hardship, housing instability, and food insecurity due to immigration enforcement stress.

  • Monarca – A community network offering training and resources for responders and organizers supporting immigrants.

  • Women’s Foundation of Minnesota – Immigrant Rapid Response Fund – Community-informed funding that supports basics like food, shelter, and immediate needs for immigrant families.

  • Pamoja Women-The purpose of Pamoja Women is to support East African Women and their families to overcome barriers and to provide opportunities for women to spread their wings, be limitless, and prosper.

  • United Way 211–families and individuals in Minnesota can call to obtain free and confidential information on health and human services. 211 call centers are staffed 24/7 by trained Community Resource Specialists who quickly assess needs and refer callers to the help that they seek.network of clinics and services available statewide through the Minnesota Association of Community Mental Health Programs.

Mental Health & Emotional Support

The emotional impact of immigration enforcement reverberates beyond legal questions—people are coping with fear, trauma, and grief. Access to supportive services can make a real difference:

Kristina Wright-Peterson
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