from the series Something I Said…
By DWIGHT HOBBES
ICE is doing the right thing the wrong way. The 2024 wholesale deportation of Tren de Aragua gang members videotaped terrorizing apartment residents of Aurora, Colorado was a desperately needed rescue action. It began a practice, though, by which, instead of targeting violent parasites who prey on those leading productive lives, federal law enforcement is, itself, wantonly destructive.
For going on two years, South Minneapolis has seen Mexican immigrants and Mexican American citizens live in fear to the point of hysteria, making what used to be a humorous quip frighteningly real: because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you. Accordingly, it’s quite sensible that in January the Minneapolis City Council asked Gov. Tim Walz to institute an eviction moratorium. You go to work, get arrested and deported, you’re unable to pay rent. You don’t get deported but are detained too long, you can’t work, can’t pay rent. City Council Member Robin Wonsley said at the news conference. “No family should have to choose between keeping a roof over their heads and risking being kidnapped by ICE.” She also addressed an attendant issue. “Normal tasks such as taking the bus to work, picking up kids from school, attending doctor appointments, and visits to places of worship, are now dangerous.”
It’s to the point that Carniceria meat market/grocery store makes free deliveries. Valerie Aguirre, manager, told Sahan Journal. “It’s a necessity”, she said, “because [families] are scared. They can’t go out to buy what they need, like food or bath stuff.” One South Minneapolis food shelf has seen volunteers and client numbers in that same community drop since late December. And is working with Powderhorn volunteers to deliver groceries to homes of those who are afraid to set foot outdoors. Last January the pantry’s produce distribution served 300 families. Same time this year, only 80.
Minnesota Multi Housing Association president Cecil Smith told Finance & Commerce he’s concerned that merely considering the moratorium resolution would damage the “ability to attract resources for future development.” Well, Smith doesn’t have to worry about a roof over his family’s head or, in fact, seeing to it they’re fed. That crisis stares impacted tenants straight in the face, not in the future but right now.
The sweeping action effected in Aurora, Colorado was the right way to get rid of criminals. People simply going about their lives, making ends meet, doing their best to keep the wolf from the door are an entirely different matter. In the Twin Cities, particularly South Minneapolis’ Mexican and Mexican American communities, the wrong people are catching hell.
DWIGHT HOBBES is a long-time Twin Cities journalist and essayist.
