Hello,

I have watched in horror as federal armed agents have terrorized Minnesotans over these past few weeks. Our members have been subjected to flash-bangs, tear gas and physical force by masked aggressors. Innocent people have been abducted by anonymous agents without badges or warrants. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have gone door to door, leaving children terrified, and have brandished their weapons against peaceful protesters—including students and educators on school property.

We cannot look away. Our members in Minnesota are proudly and bravely speaking up for safe communities, and they have asked us to stand in solidarity with them this Friday as they peacefully speak out against this administration’s abuse of power.

I’m joining our members in Minnesota tomorrow, Jan. 23, and they are asking all AFT members and supporters to wear blue in a show of unity and support. Our union siblings and their communities in Minnesota need us during their statewide day of action.

What’s happening in America right now is deliberate. Portland. Chicago. Charlotte. Washington, D.C. Los Angeles. Minneapolis. And more. This administration sets quotas and offers bonuses tied to ICE arrests, and it is willing to take violent, unrestrained action—including killing an unarmed American mother, Renee Good, and arresting an unarmed American citizen, ChongLy Scott Thao, with no explanation or apology when agents realized they had the wrong person.

The people of Minnesota have welcomed immigrants for years, and this vibrant community is peacefully protesting against the fear and chaos this White House has now created. ICE is arresting more community members, forcing its way into private property and, in the process, spreading violence rather than helping people. This is all designed to take power away from the people, avoid accountability and ignore constitutional protections.

The Minnesota labor movement, faith leaders, students, parents, healthcare workers, public employees and so many others are coming together tomorrow—and we can all stand in solidarity with Minnesotans, too.

Let’s show them that connection by wearing blue and posting a picture with the hashtag #IceOutSchools so that Education Minnesota and allies can see your support. We will share your posts, too!

By standing in solidarity with Minnesotans this week, we will demonstrate the power behind this peaceful movement and demand accountability for the murder of Renee Good, the restoration of protections for sensitive locations like schools, hospitals and places of worship, and an end to ICE’s presence in our communities.

I’ll be on the ground in Minnesota on Friday alongside our local educators as they participate in the statewide day of action to demand that ICE leave their communities. So please, join me in wearing blue, post a picture in solidarity with Minnesota and encourage your members to do the same.

I also want to remind you that the AFT has resources to support those who are being targeted by ICE, which you can find at aft.org/immigration, and I encourage you to share them with your members. I also invite you and your members to join our upcoming webinar on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 6 p.m. EST on the intensified immigration enforcement efforts and what it means for our members.

As always, please reach out with any questions, concerns or ways we can support you.

In unity,
Randi Weingarten
AFT President

P.S. We’re urging Congress to take action and restore protections for sensitive locations like schools, hospitals and places of worship. Check it out and encourage your members to act at go.aft.org/keepiceout.