Minnesota Strong-the Land of 10,000 Lakes and Resistance
Right now, Minnesota is facing one of the most intense confrontations between federal immigration enforcement and local communities in decades. Since Operation Metro Surge began this winter, thousands of people have been arrested, protests have filled the streets, and most tragically,U.S. citizens like Renée Good and Alex Pretti were killed by federal agents during enforcement actions, prompting ongoing investigations and deep public sorrow.
This moment feels raw, painful, frightening, and confusing- especially for families who are already vulnerable, for neighbors watching friends be detained, for parents trying to protect their children’s sense of safety and belonging. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. That’s a human response to a situation that tests our ideals about fairness, equity, and what it means to live in a democratic community.
“Sit Down and Let Them Do Their Job” Isn’t History’s Finest Chapter
When we look back at some of the most transformative movements in American history, we see that progress has rarely, if ever, come from silence.
- If suffragettes had stayed home and “let authorities do their job,” women wouldn’t have the vote today.
- If American and European forces hadn’t fought back against Nazism, even more Jewish lives might have been lost.
- If people hadn’t sat at counters or moved to the front of the bus during the Civil Rights Movement, Black Americans’ ability to vote and work towards equity would have been set back even farther.
Moments like the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, the Suffragette Movement, and the Civil Rights Movement were all struggles against oppression — against racism, tyranny, slavery, and misogyny. These people didn’t “stand down.” They organized, they spoke aloud, sometimes got hurt or arrested, and they extended dignity and protection to their neighbors. The fact that these struggles are now part of our collective memory is because people refused to be passive. We are in one of those moments again; where justice and humanity demand not complacency, but compassion, courage, and community. It’s important to be on the right side of history.
Caring for Our Immigrant Neighbors Isn’t Anti-American — It’s Inherently American
It’s worth remembering that the idea of doing one’s job has sometimes meant upholding systems that are unjust. We don’t uphold justice by ignoring fear and suffering. We uphold it by standing with one another, especially those most vulnerable.
Across the Twin Cities, mental health clinics, community organizations, faith groups, and neighbors are stepping up-sometimes loudly, sometimes quietly- to support immigrant families and citizens facing fear, uncertainty, and trauma. From providing safe spaces for conversation, to connecting people with legal resources, to offering trauma-informed counseling and support groups, these efforts are rooted in dignity, care, and human connection.
Showing up, even in small ways, is part of the healing and justice journey. Answering the door for a neighbor. Listening without judgement to someone who’s afraid. Taking a break when the news feels like too much. These are acts of love, and they matter.
Rest. Resist. Repeat. Care as Courage
For many, activism and self-preservation may feel like opposing forces. But they can and must coexist.
Here are some practices that support both your well-being and your values:
- Rest This isn’t laziness! It’s renewal. You can’t advocate for others if you are depleted. Sleep, eat, move gently, and allow your nervous system to reset. Pet an animal, hug a friend, breathe, and find small moments of calm and peace.
- Resist! Speak up, learn, show compassion in your actions, and protect your community. Resistance isn’t always loud — sometimes it’s the quiet choice to defend dignity and truth in everyday life. Keep protesting, being conscientious observers, returning salt, making signs, going to meetings, and voting!
- Repeat Justice is a long journey. Resilience requires rhythm. Rest and resist again tomorrow.
Every bit of care, every act of solidarity, even offering a cup of tea, a warm space to talk, or a reassuring message, moves us forward towards justice and safety for Minnesotans and Americans.
You Are Not Alone
If you’re feeling anxious, exhausted, angry, or heartbroken in these times, that’s understandable. A mental health clinic isn’t just a place for crisis- it’s a place for strengthening your courage muscles, tending to your emotional wounds, and finding community support.
Whether you’re seeking support for yourself, for your family, or for your community, we’re here to walk with you in care, in courage, and in hope.
Your feelings matter. Your actions matter. And your wellness, whether it be emotional, psychological, or spiritual, is part of what keeps this community compassionate and resilient.
Minneapolis, and Minnesota, you deserve peace, freedom, safety, and the Nobel. Fight the good fight. Sit at the counter. Move to the front of the bus. Take out your cameras and whistles and signs. Or simply be a friend to someone in need.