Rumors of ICE activity in Twin Cities increase fear in community

Organizations supporting immigrants living in the Twin Cities put out a plea Friday not to share unsubstantiated reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have begun making arrests locally.

Postings, widely shared online, alleged ICE agents outside United and Children’s Minnesota hospitals were checking identifications of all nonwhite people entering the facilities and had been spotted along Lake Street in south Minneapolis.

Another posting Thursday on Reddit alleged agents were seen in undercover vehicles near Interstate 35W and 36th Street in Minneapolis.

“Lots of unverified rumors today,” said the Minnesota Immigrants Rights Action Committee (MIRAC) in an online Facebook post. “Don’t share unverified rumors.”

Calls and voicemails to ICE seeking comment were not returned.

Members of the Minnesota Hospital Association say that, to this point, they have not had any notable change in interactions with ICE or Customs and Border Protection officials and cannot directly confirm the reports.

“Hospitals in Minnesota are aware of reports that immigration enforcement authorities may have stepped up activity near health care facilities in the Twin Cities this week,” the association said. “The policy of our members however, has not changed: Our hospitals treat the patients that seek their care.”

According to an Allina spokeswoman, Allina Health and Children’s Minnesota have not substantiated any claims that ICE agents were on their campuses Thursday.

Whether true or not, the trail of postings and comments attached to them elevated fear and uncertainty already in the community after President Donald Trump this week signed an executive order to enact a sweeping immigration crackdown.

“These are frightening times for the community right now,” said Danielle Hendrickson with Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid’s Immigration Law Project. “If people are concerned about their immigration status, consult with an immigration attorney. There is no time like the present to contact them.”

Hendrickson said her office has seen an increase in calls recently with people seeking advice and help. Immigrants who have status should carry their documents to prove it. She reminded anybody, even those undocumented, who encounters an ICE agent to be truthful but know they do have rights.

“You can remain silent. You can seek an attorney,” Hendrickson said. “You are entitled to your rights. Ask if you are being arrested. Ask to see the warrant.”

Groups such as Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid stand at the ready to advocate for the immigrant community, she said. Anyone needing access to a free immigration attorney can turn to LawHelpMN.org or pay for their own with a verified list at allalawyer.com. To avoid scams, Hendrickson said, “Make sure it is a valid licensed immigration attorney.”

ICE on Thursday said it had made 538 arrests and detained 373 undocumented immigrants in sanctuary cities across the country. It was not clear if any were made in the Twin Cities.

Trump’s executive order now gives ICE agents authority to arrest migrants at hospitals, churches and schools.

“Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest,” according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

In response this week, Minneapolis Public Schools sent a letter to parents titled “Important Information for Your Family’s Safety and Well Being.” In the letter obtained by the Minnesota Star Tribune, the district told families to make and keep readily available a list of phone numbers of family, friends and organizations that can help.

The letter also suggested keeping passports, medical records and birth certificates in a safe and accessible place and to devise a plan that includes a safe place to meet and ways to communicate if members become separated. The letter advised parents to file a Delegation of Parental Authority document, which allows parents to designate somebody to take care of their children if they are unable.

“As part of our commitment to supporting our community, we want to ensure that every family is prepared for any unexpected situations,” the letter states. “We are here to support you.”

The letter pointed immigrants to resources such as the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, the Volunteer Lawyers Network Family and Immigration Preparedness Resources, and the city’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs webpage. Minneapolis has an ordinance prohibiting the city from operating programs enforcing federal immigration laws.

“Minneapolis is a welcoming city, one that fosters inclusivity, respect and safety for all, regardless of immigration status,” said a city newsletter emailed Thursday.

MIRAC leaders said anyone hearing about local ICE activity should contact them or another immigrant rights organization: “We’ll send someone trained out to verify what’s happening and share accurate, complete information.”