Resources: ICE in Our City
Statement from the East Isles Neighborhood Association
The East Isles Neighborhood Association (EINA) is a non-partisan organization representing the residents of East Isles, Minneapolis. The EINA Board is aware of reported ICE activities in and around our community and shares concerns for the safety, well-being, and cohesion of our neighborhood and the larger community.
We are monitoring the situation closely and encourage residents to stay informed and attentive to how these activities may impact them, their neighbors, and our community as a whole. EINA will continue to observe developments and share relevant, verified information as appropriate, while affirming our commitment to supporting a safe, respectful, and inclusive East Isles for all residents.
City of Minneapolis Resources
Virtual Resource Center has info on food assistance, housing, mental health support, and legal aid providers
(State of MN) Report incidents or effects related to or caused by recent federal actions in MN, including violations of constitutional rights, excessive force, retaliation against protesters, business closures, and more
(ACLU MN) Report unlawful conduct if your rights have been violated by federal agents
Know Your Rights information and a variety of connections to legal services
Healing resources for community members and residents TBA
Related Events
Things You Can Do
1. BE INFORMED:
Know Your Rights with ICE (Immigrant Defense Project)
Know your rights amid rising ICE activity in MN (Sahan Journal)
What ICE agents can and can’t do (Star Tribune)
What to do if ICE stops you (MPR News)
What to Do if Immigration Comes to Your Workplace (National Immigration Law Center)
Comprehensive Guidance on Personal Safety & Rights (City of Minneapolis)
Common questions from Minneapolis business owners (City of Minneapolis)
Preparation & Response Resources for Immigrants & Community Allies (Welcoming America)
2. NOTIFY. If you witness (firsthand) ICE staging, detaining someone, or are being pursued 612-441-2881 is the MONARCA rapid response hotline, and 612-255-3112 is COPAL. When reporting ICE activities, try to provide “1SALUTE” relevant info:
1st Person Encounter • "I am witnessing a raid."
Size + Strength • "2 to 3 vehicles.” / “ICE and local police."
Actions + Activity • "They just picked up someone."
Locations + Directions • "Uptown, corner of Lake and Girard."
Uniform + Clothing • "Plain clothes with bulletproof vests."
Time + Date • "4:45 PM, Monday, Feb. 17."
Equipment + Weapons • "Body armor, K9 unit, armed officers."
Free or discounted towing is available if someone is detained and their car is left behind: Galeana's Towing (Minneapolis) and Leo’s Tow (St. Paul).
3. OBSERVE. Some neighbors are choosing to attend Observer training with MONARCA, learning how and when best to track, record, and put passive pressure on ICE activities in high-risk places (school dropoff/pickup, businesses, etc). Trainings fill up fast!
4. PROTEST. ICE protests are being organized by various organizations on social media. If you plan to attend, know how to protest peacefully and lawfully.
5. DONATE, monthly if you have the means! Some groups providing support to targeted communities:
Hunger Solutions (monetary donations generally stretch further)
6. 𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗘 information, events, and action steps. In conversation, email, and/or social media. Memes don’t create change, actions do. Social media posts only reach a fraction of your circles these days, so most of these other steps are more effective.
7. C𝗔𝗟𝗟 + 𝗘𝗠𝗔𝗜𝗟 your state reps (Dems and Reps) to call for the litigation and removal of all those involved for crimes against U.S. residents. This is most effective when done weekly—contact info here.
8. 𝗕𝗨𝗜𝗟𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬. Shop your local immigrant-owned, BIPOC-owned, and queer-owned businesses. Join clubs, volunteer, bring family and friends, meet new people, participate in community events and mutual aid.
9. 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗬. Reach out to your local school, community center or faith center to see how they need help chipping in. See something? Film it. Find your nearest protest groups or immigrant advocates, find out what they need help doing, and do it. Doing it with friends is even better.
Rent Relief
Rental assistance is top of mind entering a new month as some neighbors remain sheltered at home. Whether you're seeking assistance or to support rent relief programs, consider:
ICOM engages in courageous spiritual, multicultural action in solidarity with immigrants and refugees to achieve justice and stand up to systems of oppression.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors connects community members across Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the Twin Cities metro who need support with caring volunteers ready to help with rides, groceries, rent relief, and more.
COPAL offers a wide range of resources, including educational opportunities, COVID assistance and vaccines, rental assistance and tenant resources, and numerous other support services.
Stable Homes, Stable Schools offer stable housing and schooling for elementary-age students and their families through the City of Minneapolis.
Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County (CAP-HC) is a key nonprofit partner that runs its own Rental Assistance program, in conjunction with Hennepin Co.
Colectiva Bilingüe is a nonprofit that partners with families and staff of Spanish dual language programs in Minneapolis Public Schools, working with student, parent and school leaders to unite a larger community of bilingual learners.
Hennepin Co. Human Services & Public Health Department (HSPHD) rent relief funding was recently increased by $1M in response to federal actions. There is a wait time andno guarantee funds will be solely spent on Minneapolis residents.
Business Relief
Our small businesses need support more than ever right now. Several relief funds for businesses impacted by the federal immigration enforcement surge have been established.
Lake Street Council is conducting a metro-wide independent survey to gather data, perspectives, and stories to help Lake Street Council and stakeholders understand these impacts and advocate for solutions. No personal information required—take the survey today to report your impacts.
MN PROMISE Act – Round 2: Grants for working capital, payroll, rent, equipment, and other regular expenses. For-profit small businesses and some nonprofits in specific areas within Minneapolis and St. Paul with gross annual revenue of $750,000 or less and did not receive Round 1 funding are eligible. Mnpromiseact.org
Economic Response Fund (Minneapolis Foundation): The fund includes an initial $4 million seeded by 28 Minnesota companies and individuals to support small businesses statewide. Initial distributions are expected in coming weeks.
The Salt Cure Restaurant Recovery Fund: Funding to help cover hardships impacting ongoing restaurant operations, prioritizing small local restaurants in Minnesota. Applications will be open through February 23 for the first grant round. For the initial round, small, independent owned restaurants in the seven-county metro areas of the Twin Cities will be prioritized. The grants will help cover hardships for ongoing restaurant operations. Learn how to donate or apply for aid.
Southeast Asian and Immigrant/Refugee Small Business Stabilization Grant: The Hmong American Partnership is offering grants of up to $5,000 to support Southeast Asian and immigrant/refugee business owners with brick-and-mortar businesses in the Greater Twin Cities area. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until 11:59 p.m. Sunday, March 8, 2026. Applicants will be notified of their status by March 31, 2026. Learn more and apply
Statewide support funds
The Main Street Alliance’s Open for Tomorrow Small Business Fund: Donor-powered grants to stabilize Minnesota small businesses impacted by recent federal immigration enforcement. Applications opening in March. Learn more about the fund.
ConnectUP Small Business Response Fund: Donations go directly to businesses that have faced service disruptions as a result of ongoing Federal immigration enforcement. Learn how to contribute and get updates.
Lake Street Corridor business funds
Stand with Lake Street Businesses (Lake Street Council): Donations will support small businesses along the Lake Street Corridor in south Minneapolis. Learn how to help.
Friends of Global Market Stability Fund: Supports locally owned, family-run businesses at Midtown Global Market in south Minneapolis. Learn how to donate.
Cooperativa Mercado Central – Community Support: A GoFundMe aiming to raise $500,000 to sustain 35 small, family-owned businesses at Mercado Central in south Minneapolis. Learn how to contribute.
Eat Street business funds
Eat Street Business Fund: Donations will support local businesses and nonprofits along Nicollet Avenue, “Eat Street,” in Minneapolis where Alex Pretti was killed. Learn how to donate.
Outside Hennepin County
Latino & Immigrant Business Emergency Relief Fund (Latino Economic Development Center): Grant funding available for Latino-owned businesses on the east side of St. Paul. Others encouraged to apply as LEDC plans to launch additional statewide opportunities soon. Learn more.