On Presidents Day, February 16, 2024, Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota will convene at the State Capitol to urge their Republican counterparts to take a stand against what they describe as President Trump’s “abuse of power” concerning federal immigration actions. The event, scheduled for 10 a.m., will feature prominent figures from the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party, including Sen. Erin Maye Quade and Rep. Leigh Finke.
Organizers of the event have indicated that the lawmakers will be joined by Minnesotans who claim to have been negatively affected by the actions of federal immigration officers during Operation Metro Surge. Notably, some individuals attending the rally are reported to be constituents of Republican lawmakers, highlighting the bipartisan nature of the concerns surrounding immigration enforcement.
Context and Recent Developments
This gathering follows recent comments made by Tom Homan, the White House border czar, during an interview on CBS News’ Meet the Press. Homan revealed that approximately 1,000 immigration officers have departed from Minnesota since the announcement of the operation’s end last week, with expectations that several hundred more will leave in the immediate future.
The DFL lawmakers aim to bring attention to the impact of federal immigration actions on local communities, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach to immigration policy. The event will be streamed live, allowing broader audiences to engage with the discussions. Viewers can watch the proceedings through the video player available on the DFL’s official channels and on YouTube.
As political tensions surrounding immigration continue to rise, this rally represents a significant moment for Minnesota lawmakers as they seek to unify voices against federal policies they perceive as harmful. The outcomes of this event may influence future legislative discussions and actions regarding immigration at both state and federal levels.
