Hello Friends, This is not a fun update to write. Certainly not how I wanted to start the new year. Ideally we’d be spending this time talking about the success of Minnesota’s new Paid Leave program, the laws that went into effect on January 1st, or updates pertaining to the 2026 Legislative Session that begins in February. Instead, it’s important that we talk about ICE’s unlawful actions. The impact on our neighbors here in Shakopee, and Minnesotans all over the state. No matter your immigration status, ICE is making Minnesota less safe. For anyone outside of our state, I think it’d be easy to view what’s going on as a Minneapolis-focused event, but Shakopee has not been immune from the thousands of federal agents flooding our state. Far from it. It seems like every day we’re made aware of more violent, unlawful actions from poorly trained federal officers, and while they would tell you it’s in the name of public safety, President Trump would tell you what it’s really about: reckoning and retribution. I feel awful for everyone in Shakopee and throughout Minnesota who has already been impacted by ICE, whether that’s a family torn apart, or just the fear alone of what leaving the safety of your home could mean. No one deserves that. I’m also so incredibly proud of our neighbors that have stepped up in this moment to look out for our community, to do what they can to reduce harm, and to peacefully observe whether constitutional rights are being upheld. For anyone in our community that has had their rights violated by a federal officer, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has recently launched a website to compile these actions, and I highly encourage you to share your experience. |