This is a difficult time for our community, especially for Agate’s clients who are among the most vulnerable to recent ICE activities. 

Many living unsheltered are being detained for lack of identification. And once taken, most don’t have legal support or anyone to advocate for their release. Many we serve through our housing programs are also directly impacted, sheltering in home for fear of being detained or already having been detained.

The Agate team remains committed to supporting our clients. We are adjusting our services as the world changes around us. Our Street Outreach team continues to go out, we are educating people regarding their rights and making recommendations on how to stay safe. We are connecting other program participants to mutual aid and other resources if their work or other activities have been limited by the traumatizing presence and actions of ICE.

I’ve recorded a short video message to check in with you (linked above). I hope you are safe. 

Many of you have also asked how you can help protect and support our neighbors during this time. Below, I’ve compiled several ways to get involved—at whatever level feels right for you.

• Support with items or funds: Stand With Minnesota (standwithminnesota.com) 
  Scroll to bottom of the linked home page of Stand With Minnesota for a broad list of organizations, mutual aid groups, and rent relief funds supporting those impacted by ICE’s actions.
  
• Engage in your neighborhood: Local school PTA and Action Network (actionnetwork.org/groups/defend-612)
  Want to focus in your neighborhood? Get in touch with parents or the PTA/PTO from your local school to see how your neighborhood is activating. If you’re in Minneapolis, visit The Action Network “Defend the 612” to find a group operating in your neighborhood.
  
• Someone detained needs help: MONARCA (612-441-2881 or www.monarcamn.org)
  Resource if you or someone in your family has been detained by ICE and need help navigating next steps.
  
• Support to Agate: Donate (agatemn.org/donate) or volunteer (agatemn.org/volunteer).
  As always, your support of Agate makes our life-saving work possible. Right now, we are supporting our impacted program participants through this difficult time for our community and your donations keep this work going. If you want to do something with your family and friends, you can make meals for our shelter guests. Find out more on our volunteer page or sign up here.

Thank you for being part of the Agate family. We will always be here for those who have nowhere else to turn. Together, we will get through this. We are a strong community who takes care of each other.