Mark your calendars for January 23.
Our latest stories covering the ongoing struggles in Minnesota.
Workers and their organizations are taking action against the ICE crackdown and federal funding freezes in Minnesota.
In the words of Meridel Le Seuer, we have appeared in the thunder of our solidarity.
“We Are Facing a Tsunami of Hate”: Amid ICE Crackdown, Unions and Community Groups Call for Minnesota Shutdown in 10 Days
Following the ICE murder of Renee Good and an assault on the state by federal immigration forces, a labor-community coalition is calling for residents to refuse to work, shop or go to school on January 23. This article is a joint publication with In These Times.
How Trump’s Immigration Crackdown Chills Organizing and Erodes Conditions for All Workers
Upticks in immigration enforcement are consistently associated with increased minimum wage violations for all workers and more dangerous workplaces. And contrary to the Trump administration’s claims, research shows that crackdowns do not create jobs for US-born workers, but actually reduce them by removing people who make other jobs possible and by reducing local consumption. The armed federal agents descending on US communities are not targeting CEOs and business owners in Trump’s circles. They are going after day laborers, janitors, airport workers, and rideshare drivers, and the effects are felt throughout the working class. This article is a joint publication with The Nation.
Metro Transit Workers Rally at Bus Stop Where ICE Abduction Took Place, Demand ICE Not Interfere with Transit Operations
Dave Stiggers, president of ATU Local 1005, said that the current protocol allows Metro Transit bus drivers to refuse to open doors for anyone they may see as a threat to the safety of the driver or passengers. If ICE agents approach a bus, Metro Transit bus drivers have the right to not open the doors, as masked and armed agents without identification pose a safety risk both to the bus operator and passengers. “If it’s better for you to keep the door closed, keep the door closed,” Stiggers emphasized.
Minneapolis Teachers, Parents Denounce Federal Agents’ Assault at Roosevelt High, Demand ICE Leave
Only a few hours after ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed Minneapolis resident and mother Renee Good on January 7, federal immigration enforcement agents descended onto Roosevelt High School property during school dismissal as students were exiting the building. MFE members say that ICE agents tackled and detained a school staff member and union member who was working at the time. The MFE member was released, according to a union spokesperson. The agents also deployed a chemical irritant against students and staff on school grounds, MFE says. A school official, speaking to MPR News on condition of anonymity, said many students sheltered in a nearby library.
“You’re There for the Kids”: Minnesota Childcare Worker Speaks Out Amid Disastrous Cuts
“Anyone who steps into a daycare or preschool, you will see the dedication of people, how much they give of themselves to do the job,” says Eleanor Titcomb, who works for Just in Time Teachers as a substitute preschool teacher for early childcare centers across the Twin Cities metro. She is worried about how federal cuts are going to affect the children she works with, and the workers who provide for them. “Many centers are barely hanging on as it is,” Titcomb says. “This would be detrimental. If CCAP is cut, and a parent or guardian is not able to afford childcare, you will have all of these ripple effects that go into every part of society that can be connected back to early education.”
Thank you for reading. Up, up with liberation!