 Legislative Update from Rep. Lucy RehmDear Neighbors, Let’s not mince words - we are living through challenging times. Since the Trump administration has sent more than 3000 federal agents to our state, we have witnessed 2 murders and hundreds and hundreds of detentions. One of those detainees has died in federal custody in Texas adding to the grand total of 38 deaths in detention centers. In times like these, it’s tempting to throw up one’s hands and say that nothing can be done. Renee Good and Alex Pretti should still be alive today. Liam Ramos should be at home with his family. And Minnesotans should be focused on cozying up to a good read or a movie or using the new snowshoes they received over the holidays. Instead all eyes are on Minnesota - and we’re showing other states and countries how to stand up for our neighbors against reckless, poorly trained, lawless federal agents. We won’t rest until we have accountability. That’s why constitutional observers are so important - and why ICE is targeting them for violence. No one is above the law. If your rights have been violated by federal immigration agents, as we have seen happen with increased regularity in recent days, please let the Minnesota Attorney General's Office know about it.  Attorney General Keith Ellison now has a website to report and compile these violations we’ve seen from ICE officers in our community. Locally, I’m proud of the action our communities have taken to peacefully protect our neighbors. In Chanhassen and Chaska, we care for each other and have our neighbors' backs, always, even if it's easy to look away. We all deserve to be safe. In related news, Carver County has publicly stated they will not house ICE detainees. I’m grateful for Chief Kamerud’s leadership and partnership in keeping all of our residents safe. I had the opportunity to share my thoughts about “Operation Metro Surge” and speak on behalf of the residents living in fear on Monday at the Chanhassen City Council Meeting. You can watch the video by clicking this link. And on a positive note, I’m also encouraged to see more elected officials on the other side of the aisle speak up now, and agree that ICE has to get out of Minnesota. Too many others have either stayed silent, or actively spread disinformation. It’s never the wrong time to speak out. I look forward to working with my House and Senate counterparts in Carver County on legislation to curb ICE’s abuses when the legislative session convenes in just a few weeks. This could include legislation that would: - Prohibit masked, unidentifiable enforcement actions;
- Provide housing assistance to those impacted
- Allow Minnesotans to sue federal agents for civil rights violations; and
- Limit collaboration with federal immigration enforcement that violates civil rights.
I also welcome any ideas for legislation that you have. However, since ICE is a federal agency, if you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to contact our federal elected legislators in Washington, DC—U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, U.S. Senator Tina Smith, and U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer. Community ResourcesFood is flying off shelves as volunteers at Bountiful Basket continue replenishing, sorting, organizing, and delivering food donations for our neighbors in need. They are also accepting monetary donations, if you are interested in contributing. The link to do so can be found by clicking here.  Kudos to everyone who donated and volunteered for the food drive in December. It was a bitterly cold day but that didn't stop folks from turning out. Thank you! The Bountiful Basket food shelf is still in need of breakfast cereals, chunky soups and crackers. A note of caution: some people have set up crowdfunding campaigns on sites like GoFundMe, social media, or other platforms for those impacted by the current activities in Minnesota. Many, but not all, of these efforts are legitimate. Bad actors sometimes try to take advantage of people’s generosity by keeping donations for themselves. More information can be found in the Minnesota Attorney General publication, Don’t Just Follow the Crowd on “Crowdfunding” Websites. New Laws in JanuaryNew laws took effect in January, including local investments I secured for our Carver County communities. You can read about these specific wins for our district here.  Keep in TouchDue to technological constraints, direct replies to this email will not reach my inbox. Please send an email to me anytime at rep.lucy.rehm@house.mn.gov or call 651-296-5066. Thank you for the honor of representing you and our Chanhassen and Chaska neighbors in the Minnesota House. Stay warm. In community, Lucy |