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Dear Neighbors,
There’s a lot of chaos and confusion about what’s happening in Minnesota right now with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, specifically but not limited to the Twin Cities area.
“Operation Metro Surge” has resulted in 400 arrests since December 1. ICE is escalating activity in our communities, including taking and holding citizens illegally. The lawless federal actions have brought fear and harm to our communities, and in response, we have seen Minnesotans powerfully organizing with their neighbors and across communities to keep each other safe. My colleagues and I have compiled immigration resources and they are available for our neighbors in English, Spanish, Somali, and Hmong.
For U.S. Citizen Observers or Bi-Standers:
- People who are legally observing ICE may want to have family/friends keep a copy of their passport or other proof of citizenship on hand.
- They may want to fill out the ICE privacy waiver in advance (online here) authorizing release of information to the relevant Congressional office. The privacy waiver is only valid for 90 days, so people may want to complete all sections except the date.
- If a US citizen is detained, Congressional offices can immediately contact the ICE Field Office to provide proof of citizenship and the privacy waiver and request an immediate response.
It is important to document and report what is happening. The ACLU of MN is tracking reports of constitutional violations – violence, illegal detentions, racial profiling or other concerning practices. Anyone can submit their experience here: https://intake.aclu-mn.org/.
Minnesota Public Radio also has helpful “do’s” and “don’ts” if you are monitoring an arrest, in this article.
It is wrong and deeply unsettling to have federal agents create such fear in our community. The Minneapolis legislative delegation is taking a whole of government approach to this issue by actively working with the Attorney General, Governor, as well as our city, county, and school partners to continue disseminating important information like that above and identifying ways to keep residents safe.
Cold Weather Rule & Energy Assistance
Minnesota's Cold Weather Rule (October 1–April 30) protects Minnesotans from utility shutoffs. You can contact your utility provider to set up a payment plan. The Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps families afford energy costs based on income and household size. Click here to learn more here, though federal funding delays may postpone these benefits. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help or have questions.
Paid Family & Medical Leave – Launches January 1
Starting January 1, 2026, Paid Family and Medical Leave launches which provides partial wage replacement for up to 12 weeks of medical leave for serious health conditions, including pregnancy recovery, and up to 12 weeks of family leave for new parents, those caring for seriously ill family members, or certain military and safety situations. Workers can access up to 20 weeks total annually when combining both types. Workers and businesses can learn more here or watch this explainer video.
We all deserve to be able to care for ourselves or our loved ones without the fear of sacrificing a paycheck or facing financial ruin. I’m grateful to DFLers for keeping the conversation going and finally getting this initiative across the finish line for working families.
Arts Education in the Community
Did you know that we have a public high school in the district? The FAIR School for the Arts is an arts-focused Minneapolis Public School in Downtown. I had the opportunity to shadow Principal Cumming this week, see educators and students at work in their dance, drawing, and core classes, and hear from students about their experience taking Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) classes just blocks away at Minneapolis College for both high school and college credit. Students shared how this Minnesota program has been instrumental in helping them explore and gain confidence in educational opportunities after high school, while having the strong resources and support of the FAIR School. Students I spoke with said it has helped determine their next steps into pursuing college degrees in business, social work, and the arts.
 Photos (above): meeting with students and Principal Cummings at the FAIR School.
The E-Line Bus Rapid Transit is Open!
After years of planning and construction, the E-line Bus Rapid Transit is officially here! Replacing the previous route 6, this line runs from Edina through Uptown and Downtown to the University of Minnesota. Residents can expect a 20% faster ride and 30% more service. Over 170,000 people live within 1/2 mile of the corridor, which made it a great candidate for improved service. This would not have been possible without the tireless work from community members, Metro Transit staff, and the elected officials at every level securing funding for this exciting new transportation option in our district.
Photo: I couldn’t help celebrating with E-Line champions Senator Dibble and former Representative Hornstein, who secured critical funding for the route in previous legislative sessions.
Celebrating the Holidays
Minneapolis certainly knows how to do winter holidays. It’s fun to see the creative decorations, enjoy warm, tasty treats, be with neighbors, and support local businesses all at the same time at events throughout the community. There are many neighborhood celebrations like Saturnalia in Bryn Mawr. And our district is lucky to host two large events that are worth checking out:
Winterapolis in Downtown celebrates the people, events, and experiences that make winter in Minneapolis extraordinary.
Holidays on Hennepin invites you to explore Uptown like never before.
Keep in Touch
These are tough times we’re in, but I’m confident that if we can stick together, and continue caring for one another, we’ll be able to keep moving Minnesota forward.
Stay in touch with any issues important to you and your family.
Thank you for the honor of representing our Minneapolis neighbors at the State Capitol.
Wishing you and yours a peaceful holiday season,
Katie Jones
State Representative
 Turcks Trees of Litchfield delivered the Capitol Holiday Tree last week, which will be on display throughout the holiday season in the Capitol Rotunda. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture assisted, and added this lovely ornament to memorialize Melissa, Mark, and Gilbert.
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