From Rep. Esther Agbaje <[email protected]>
Subject Legislative Newsletter: ICE in Minnesota
Date January 16, 2026 10:25 PM
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Esther Header

Dear Neighbors,  

The occupation of ICE and federal agents in Minnesota has surged, causing even more fear, chaos, and terror in our communities. The ongoing federal operation in our city is disrupting our everyday lives. No Minnesotan deserves to live in constant fear of persecution from our federal government. Our neighbors are being abducted going to work, taking their children to school, eating at restaurants, and small business, especially BIPOC/immigrant-owned businesses, are closing their doors. More disturbing, ICE is using aggressive tactics at schools to harm and intimidate children and teachers. I shared these sentiments with the NY Times. Read the article here [ [link removed] ].  

I continue to stand in solidarity with the community. My colleagues and I are organizing and attending rapid response trainings, sharing vetted information, and developing legislation to address ICE’s unconstitutional conduct. 

Today, I joined local elected from our Minneapolis delegation and Hennepin County Director of Public Health Sara Hollie to share an update on federal operations and how its harming our communities. In my remarks, I shared about legislation that will be introduced [ [link removed] ] when session starts on February 17 to hold ICE accountable. I also discussed the lawsuit Attorney General Keith Ellison filed [ [link removed] ] on behalf of our state and cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis. The suit also asked for a temporary restraining order for the federal government to stop immediately, which the judge denied, but the case will continue to move forward. You can watch the full briefing here. [ [link removed] ]  

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To address ICE’s violations of state and local laws, Attorney General Keith Ellison launched a form on his website that Minnesotans can use to share information about the ICE’s behavior. These incident reports will be critical in supporting the Attorney General’s Office in defending and enforcing Minnesota’s laws. 

Minnesotans can access the Federal Action Reporting form using this link [ [link removed] ].  

Since the killing of Renee Good, more of us have learned about deaths at the hands of ICE agents in the field since September 2025. We remember and honor Renee Nicole Good, Keith Porter Jr., Josué Carto Rivera, Silverio Vellegas Gonzalez, and others killed by ICE across the country. Every death by ICE is devastating and enraging. For the safety of everyone, ICE must leave our city and state. 

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*Virtual Town Hall Briefing * 

One week after ICE killed Renee Good, they then shot a neighbor in our North Minneapolis community in the leg. When I arrived on the scene, I saw neighbors standing up for each other. Our Northside community showed that even in the face of relentless attacks from federal agents, we can come together and protect each other. Thankfully no one lost their life on Wednesday night.  

In the aftermath of their dangerous actions, ICE agents then deployed tear gas and other chemical irritants on community members who were peacefully protesting. These weapons were deployed in a neighborhood with the highest asthma rates in the state and affected not only protestors, but families in their homes.  

Whatever the mission of ICE, the approach that they are taking is making Minneapolis and the state of Minnesota less safe. But let it be known: our North Minneapolis shows up for our own. We will not back down in the face of federal overreach and assault on our community. 

Please join us this *Saturday, January 17 at 10:00am* for a *virtual town hall* to debrief on the chaotic federal operations terrorizing our community and state.  

*Click here to access the Zoom Link for the town hall:* [link removed] 

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*Community Resources* 

One of the best lines of defense is knowing your rights and how to exercise them. Every person, regardless of their status, is protected by the U.S. Constitution. Stay informed, and reach out to community leaders, and get connected and learn ways you can protect yourself and your neighbors. Here is a list of resources [ [link removed] ] that can be useful when you need it. I’ve broken some out below, especially if you and your neighbors want to print out cards and signs. 

Below are resources offered to Minnesotans across the state: 


* [link removed]  

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* [link removed]  

* [link removed]  

* [link removed]  

* [link removed] [ [link removed] ]    

* Immigration Legal Resource Center – Red Cards. Cards you can print to keep so that you know your rights. [link removed]  

* Citizens may want to fill out an ICE privacy waiver so that if you are detained, federal representatives can work quickly to secure your release. You can find the form here [ [link removed] ]. 

* Printable “ICE not welcome” sign [ [link removed] ] 

* Know your rights card — multiple languages [ [link removed] ] 

* Know your rights — employer & employees [ [link removed] ] 

* Immigration Resources Toolkit [ [link removed] ] 

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*Let’s Stay Connected!*     

Before I sign off, I want to speak about the  'March Against Minnesota Fraud [ [link removed] ]' rally happening in downtown Minneapolis this Saturday. The event is being led by a convicted January 6 insurrectionist and known political provocateur. For your safety, please avoid the downtown and Cedar-Riverside areas. Please do not engage people who may be coming into our communities for the sole purpose of provocation. Local law enforcement and surrounding agencies are aware of the event and will be monitoring it closely. 

While our state has endured a series of traumatic events, we always rise to the occasion by standing in unity with our neighbors. We take care of our own and will not be intimidated by outside agitators or bigoted actors who enter our communities to push hateful rhetoric. We have stayed strong and resilient against the lawlessness of the federal government, and we should continue to let that be our focus. Please stay safe and take care of yourselves and your loved ones. 

I deeply value being in this work to improve lives with you. Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. Please reach out anytime if you need assistance, schedule a meeting or community event, or have questions at [email protected] or 651-296-8659.   

In community,    

Rep. Esther Agbaje    

Minnesota House of Representatives (59B)    

*Legislative Assistant*   

*Aishat Tiamiyu*  

[email protected]  

651-296-4165 

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