Minnesota Capitol rally calls for state aid following immigration crackdown

Hundreds of activists rallied at the state Capitol on Wednesday, pushing for Minnesota lawmakers to address the impacts of the federal immigration surge across the state.

The rally, organized by a coalition of faith leaders and immigrant groups, called for monetary relief, along with other actions such as eviction moratoriums, as the state enters a “recovery” phase after more than two months of Operation Metro Surge, the Trump administration’s aggressive campaign that it said targeted illegal immigration and social services fraud.

“Minnesotans deserve relief now. Minnesotans deserve recovery now. We need relief for the harm that has been caused. We need relief for our kids. We need relief for our neighbors. We need relief for our businesses. We need relief for our renters,” said Amber Jones, a minister with Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church.

Molley Burgee Kamara, owner of Waterside Grocery and Deli in Brooklyn Park, said he’s unsure how long he can keep his doors open because of the surge.

“Now that ICE activity is beginning to draw down, what do we do next? We restore. We restore our businesses … restore our housing,” he said.

It’s not clear how much wiggle room lawmakers would have to be able to provide any kind of financial support this session, given the state’s two-year budget was passed in the 2025 session. Gov. Tim Walz proposed on Feb. 12 that lawmakers pass $10 million in targeted small business loans.

The Legislature isn’t in a budget year, but a supplemental budget is an option. An updated budget forecast is set for the end of the month and will give more information on what lawmakers can do.

Lawmakers hear ICE-related bills

Also Wednesday, the House Education Policy committee heard HF3435, which would limit federal agents’ access to schools, and HF3409, which would prohibit the denial of education based on immigration status, and create a civil cause of action if education rights are denied.

“Schools should not be put in the place of becoming the go-between or the middle person in these divisive situations, and shifting the responsibility to schools in these interactions, I don’t believe, is fair, nor right. Our job should be to provide clarity to schools on how to comply with federal law to keep our students and staff safe,” said Co-Chair Rep. Peggy Bennett, R-Albert Lea, a candidate for governor.

Bennett said it’s also her belief that federal immigration actions involving schools should be “very rare and only with extenuating circumstances,” and that she hopes the federal government will adjust their policies accordingly.

“So if we want ICE away from schools, the solution, in my mind, is not more school mandates. Our schools don’t deserve that,” Bennett said.

Rep. Sydney Jordan, DFL-Minneapolis, who is sponsoring the bills to limit federal agents’ access to schools, said she agrees with much of what Bennett said.

“Our schools should not be in the position of enforcing our immigration laws,” Jordan said. “Every child in Minnesota has a right to an education … but lately, it has been impossible not to notice the profound impact ICE, DHS and our federal government has had on Minnesota schoolchildren’s ability to learn.”

Several school administrators and students testified in support of HF3435 and HF3409. Among those who testified in favor of HF3435 was Fridley Public Schools Superintendent Brenda Lewis. She said of their 2,700 students, 400 have moved to virtual learning and 112 are “no longer with us.”

HF3435 tied 7-7 along party lines Wednesday evening, did not advance, and was laid over in committee. Members ran late for a vote on HF3409, which was also laid over.

Additionally, the House Housing Finance and Policy committee heard HF3403, which would establish $50 million in emergency one-time rental assistance, and HF3410/HF3424, which would adjust eviction periods and notices in light of Operation Metro Surge. HF3403/HF3410 also split 7-7 along party lines and did not advance out of committee. Members ran out of time on HF3424.

On Thursday, the Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention Committee will discuss several housing-related bills, including one-time funding. Also Thursday, the House Labor and Education Finance committees will review the economic impacts of Operation Metro Surge.

On Friday, the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee will hear proposals to address federal immigration enforcement activity in Minnesota — specific bills have yet to be listed.

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