MCF/MCN Joint Statement in Support of Somali & Immigrant Communities

Across our state, immigrants, especially Somali Minnesotans, are living in terror of intensifying ICE raids targeting our communities. The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN) and the Minnesota Council on Foundations (MCF) stand unequivocally with our neighbors—including immigrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking community members.

Over the past few days, we have heard dehumanizing language targeting Minnesota’s Somali community and labeling them as “garbage” or blaming the entire population for the actions of a few individuals. The current federal administration has renewed efforts to strip Somali immigrants of temporary legal protections and are using our taxpayer dollars to start a targeted ICE immigration enforcement operation in our state despite the fact that the majority of Somali Minnesotans are law abiding U.S. citizens.

These targeted raids are disrupting the lives of citizens and residents who have spent decades building Minnesota’s economy and culture. For many immigrant Minnesotans who came to our state to seek refuge and asylum, these actions reopen the trauma of the civil war and displacement that forced them to leave their homes in the first place. These actions are not enforcement; they are chaos. This is not safety; it is demonizing immigrants. These are not numbers on a spreadsheet; these are fathers, mothers, children, healthcare workers, community leaders, and business owners.

Claims that our neighbors "contribute nothing" are factually false. Somali Minnesotans are a driving force in our state's prosperity. According to estimates by Concordia University economist, Dr. Bruce Corrie, Somali Minnesotans generate at least $500 million in annual income and contribute approximately $67 million in state and local taxes every year. With an estimated $8 billion total impact on the state’s economy, they are the backbone of essential industries including retail, home health care, manufacturing, and transportation.

Minnesota has a long and proud history of welcoming newcomers. As we face this moment, nonprofits serving immigrants, legal rights organizations, and community care networks are stepping forward to provide support and protection. But they cannot do it alone. Each of us has a role—from standing together, sharing accurate information, and refusing to let fear divide our communities. The targeting of Somali Minnesotans is only the latest attack on our community, and we know it will not be the last.

Just like previous periods of immense struggle, nonprofits and philanthropy are stepping up during this time of distress. MCN and MCF deeply thank and support organizations taking risks to serve and stand alongside our immigrant communities, as well as their work to keep our neighbors safe. We encourage all organizations to familiarize themselves with and share resources on immigrant safety and legal rights, including:

• Free Training, January 7: What to Do When the Government Knocks – Understanding Federal Law Enforcement (MCN & MCF)
  Learn how to mitigate risk in this shifting enforcement landscape and gain practical guidance on how to respond to government investigations, including search warrants, subpoenas, and civil investigative demands. 
• What Nonprofit Entities Should Know About Immigration Site Visits (MCN)
  A free webinar recording with attorneys on actions nonprofits can take now to prepare themselves for an unannounced visit from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
• Know Your Rights with ICE (Minnesota Attorney General)
  FAQ on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to help Minnesota organizations continue to provide safe and welcoming environments for everyone they serve. 
• Immigrants & Refugees: Know Your Rights (Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota)
  How to handle encounters with ICE depending on your location, navigating possible detention, and legal assistance resources. 
• Free download: Red Cards (Immigrant Legal Resource Center)
  All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. The ILRC’s red cards give examples of how people can exercise these rights, available in multiple languages.
• Guidance regarding federal immigration policy for organizations maintaining sensitive locations (MN Attorney General)
  Answering questions around: who does and does not enforce federal immigration law, the rules that apply to immigration enforcement in public and non-public spaces at sensitive locations, the difference between judicial and administrative warrants, protocols an organization may establish for interacting with ICE, and an organization’s rights and responsibilities if ICE is conducting immigration enforcement.
• ICE Raid Resources (National Homelessness Law Center)
  Guidance for homeless service providers on what to do before, during, and after a raid by ICE.
• The Economic and Fiscal Impacts of Mass Deportation: What’s at Risk in Minnesota (Minnesota Budget Project) 
  There are far-reaching social and humanitarian implications of this type of enforcement regime. But there is also an economic risk that can be quantified.
• The Economic Contributions of Immigrants in Minnesota (Minnesota Chamber Foundation)
  The success of Minnesota’s economy, both now and in the future, is intrinsically linked to Minnesota’s immigrant communities. 
• Data security practices to protect your people and data (NTEN)
  The safety and privacy of the people the nonprofit serves, and its staff, board, and volunteers must be a priority. Review your data security practices and avoid collecting and storing sensitive information unless necessary.
• Free nonprofit legal counsel (MCN & LegalCorps)
  MCN and LegalCorps have partnered to provide all Minnesota nonprofits with free legal counsel. There is also a framework to evaluate organization's current practices and documentation against legal requirements and can assist in deciphering any unexpected communication from a government agency