October 30 Meeting Report

from Becky Stratman and Judy Schlichting

Members reported strong turnouts at rallies at the federal courthouse and also at the Whipple Building at Fort Snelling when Kristi Noem visited the Twin Cities. Hundreds of clergy came to support immigrant rights.

From lawyer and board secretary Mark Joffe of Asylum Coalition For Transition - Twin Cities (ACT-TC), we learned that ACT-TC has raised the funds to help 42 people obtain or regain their work permits. They hope to increase that number to 100 permits. ACT-TC welcomes contributions at act-tc.org.

We received information on current needs from Latino pastors:

Gently used winter clothing for all ages (boots, coats, hats),
Christmas decorations for Latino churches,
Gift cards for Christmas presents for Latino families,
People with trucks or vans to help with moving furniture once a month,
Volunteers for support teams for two families (2–3 volunteers per family), and
A used car for Dr. Rashid to purchase with $8,000.

Mark Joffe is available to answer questions: (202) 441-0613. Donated items can be dropped off at Normandale Lutheran Church in Edina.

Our guest speaker, Amy Alvarez Cruz from Jewish Community Action, shared her experiences and insights as a Hispanic woman working for racial and economic justice for marginalized groups. Her team tackles issues such as housing, gender freedom, multiracial democracy, antisemitism, and decriminalizing communities.

A current goal involves working before and during the Minnesota legislature’s 2026 session for the North Star Act Alliance to ban collaboration between local law enforcement and immigration authorities. They focus on white nationalism, hate, and antisemitism. Thirty organizations are collaborating on this effort.