My ancestors have been on this land since long before the United States was a country, and now I find myself wearing my tribal ID around my neck — worried that I could be unlawfully picked up and detained.
U.S. citizens, even Native people, have been arrested and taken as immigration officers implement Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota, a federal effort that claims to apprehend and deport undocumented immigrants. Families have been separated, people have been taken from their homes and workplaces, and the crackdown has created widespread fear. We’ve increased security and reduced and adapted our programs to help protect our community.
We are the first people of this land, yet ICE agents are targeting us in ways that make clear this is not just an immigration issue—it is racial profiling. It makes sense that us Native people are being mistaken for our relatives from the south. They, too, are the first people of this land. The only difference between who is considered “Native” and who is labeled an “immigrant” are the borders imposed by governments.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve seen our community step up to protect and support one another in powerful, selfless ways. Native people are no strangers to community-led action and resistance. The American Indian Movement was started by community members trying to protect our relatives from police brutality and discrimination in the 1960s. Today, we see that same spirit alive through AIM, Many Shields Society, Little Earth Protectors, and countless grassroot groups who are on our streets monitoring ICE activity and keeping our community safe.
Even during this painful time, I have witnessed tremendous strength, love, and resilience from our people. Community patrols mobilized overnight. Every day, people step up to deliver groceries, serve warm meals, monitor ICE activity, or check on families and elders.
The Minneapolis American Indian Center has long been considered the heart of the Twin Cities urban Native community. For 50 years, we have provided essential services and a safe gathering space for our women, children, families, and elders, adapting our services as community’s needs evolve. Today is no different. We have shifted programs and created new pathways to meet this moment.
Yet the threat ICE poses to our community has limited our ability to operate fully. Evening programming has paused or moved into business hours, preventing many relatives from accessing services. Our Boys & Girls Club of MAIC programming is on hold because we cannot risk the safety of our youth. Many of our relatives are too afraid to leave their homes to attend programming or receive support. Events scheduled in the building have been postponed because people are afraid to congregate.
Our building is normally full—with children utilizing the Boys & Girls Club, elders visiting for lunch, and families gathering for Drum and Dance on Wednesday nights. Now, as I write this, our spaces are quiet. Our doors remain locked, and visitors must be buzzed in. We are taking this week by week, remaining focused on the safety and wellbeing of our people.
We are all related, and the cruelty and inhumanity we are witnessing must end. I join the community leaders and local and state government officials who are calling for an end to Operation Metro Surge and for ICE agents to leave our community. I am inspired by the people stepping up to support their neighbors and document ICE activity as a form of resistance.
At the center, we remain committed to providing essential services for our people. We have welcomed tribal nations into our building to help urban members update and obtain tribal identification. Gatherings Café has prepared soup and meals for those in need. We’ve made our spaces available for those conducting trainings, preparing community meals, and providing care.
In a moment defined by fear and uncertainty, our community has responded with generosity and compassion. And that gives me hope.
Mary LaGarde (White Earth Nation) is the Executive Director of the Minneapolis American Indian Center (MAIC) and the CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of MAIC.