As a Minneapolis native, I have been closely tuned into the events unfolding since ICE began their occupation, drawing national attention by shooting an innocent woman (Robin Nicole Good) in the face. Since Robin’s murder, several others have been shot, and even more illegally detained, with the president of the United States cheering on Robin’s murder (“she asked for it”) and the violence against women, men, and children who are here legally but who have become unwarranted targets of ICE. It is not only immigrants who are being targeted, but also Native Americans and most recently a Caucasian female friend of mine was harassed by ICE agents as she was leaving a suburban mall.

Shit is getting real. AND, Minneapolis, along with the state of Minnesota, are standing up, and speaking out, while providing protection and support for those who do not feel safe leaving their homes.

I could not be more proud of my hometown!!! From the Oglala Sioux facilitating sacred ritual at the corner of Chicago and Lake St. bringing attention to the tribal members who have been detained by ICE, to Smitten Kitten fundraising and collecting donations for homebound families, to Wrecktangle Pizza providing food for families, to the thousands of people who gathered at Powderhorn Park for a little “fun” protesting. This does not include the countless social service, church, and community services who are on the ground providing support where needed. In addition, Minneapolis Mayor, Jacob Frey, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, have been holding news conferences for days, keeping the world informed and Minnesotan’s safe. Even the state Agricultural leadership spoke up regarding the grave danger to agriculture posed by ICE’s guerilla tactics.  

All of this to say – Minneapolis (as is often the case) is helping us to turn a corner. Through sheer compassion and care for their neighbors, Minneapolis and St. Paul citizens are showing us directly what LOVE can do. In doing so, they are providing us with signs of a new world being born, while demonstrating the actions out of which the new world will begin to usurp the dying world.

The Twin Cities are providing us with a blueprint upon which the new world can begin to take root, grow, and mature. This is how they’re doing it:

• Saying NO to intimidation.  
• Saying NO to violence.
• Knowing and standing up for the Constitution.
• Exercising their constitutional rights.
• Knowing and understanding history.
• Saying NO to authority based in fear, power, and control.
• Defying that which is illegal.
• In cases where relevant, using their privilege to advocate for and facilitate change.

And more than any of the above:

• Welcoming the stranger.
• Loving their neighbor.
• Providing for the needs of those who don’t feel safe providing for themselves.
• Giving from their own subsistence to help those in greater need.
• Protecting their neighbors.
• Advocating for their neighbors’ rights and safety.

In short, the Twin Cities, often criticized for being a hot bed of liberals, is showing the world exactly what it means to be LOVE, and how it is done – a model for all of us to follow.

Finally, a special note to those, like myself, who have found themselves plunged into the ocean of prayer – overtaken by the Spirit of Love and used as a vessel providing Peace, Comfort, Protection, Healing, and Support for a community and a world in need. Right now, this may be all you can do – and that is ok!  Thank you!