URGENT UPDATE: St. Paul City Council Member Nelsie Yang is rallying community members this Saturday to take a stand against ICE operations in a powerful display of solidarity. The event, set to begin at 5 p.m. at Lake Phalen, will see residents shining their lights across the water to form the message “MN > ICE” along with a Hmong heart symbol, shortly after sundown.
This gathering comes in response to the controversial Operation Metro Surge, which has led to thousands of detentions of undocumented immigrants and, alarmingly, some legal residents since early January. Just last month, the tragic deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti at the hands of immigration agents in Minneapolis have ignited outrage and calls for change.
The community event is not only a protest but also a celebration of the area’s rich diversity. The Payne-Phalen neighborhood is comprised of approximately 45% Asian, 14% Black, and 9% Latino residents, illustrating its status as one of the most culturally vibrant areas in Minnesota. Yang emphasized the importance of this gathering in her written statement, highlighting the need for unity against oppressive immigration policies.
Residents are encouraged to arrive early at 1400 Phalen Boulevard to prepare for the event and partake in this significant moment of community solidarity. Attendees will not only express their dissent against ICE’s actions but also foster hope and resilience within the immigrant communities they represent.
As this event unfolds, it marks a critical moment for the local community, drawing attention to the urgent issues surrounding immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities. Residents are invited to bring flashlights, lanterns, and their voices to show that together, they stand in opposition to ICE’s aggressive tactics.
Stay tuned for live updates and coverage of this important event as it happens. This is a developing story that underscores the ongoing struggle and resilience of immigrant communities in the face of governmental actions.
