January 23rd | Statewide Day of Action

AFSCME Council 65 has a long history of representing a diverse membership with a wide range of political beliefs. As workers and union members we are united by a shared ideal of solidarity for all working families.  Council 65 represents members and employees across three states.  Many of those members, including legal US Citizens, are afraid to leave their homes for fear of being detained.  In the past few weeks, many legal US citizens and immigrants with legal status have also been wrongfully arrested or detained. Current ICE actions in Minnesota are not based solely on criminal history or citizenship status.

On January 23, a number of organizations across Minnesota will participate in a statewide day of action raising concerns about the role of federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities in our communities. AFSCME Council 65 supports members who choose to engage in lawful, off-duty civic expression related to these  concerns. AFSCME Council 65 is not calling for a work stoppage, walkout, or any action that would violate labor agreements or workplace policies.

Our position is rooted in public safety, respect for law enforcement, and constitutional accountability. Federal agents are not local or state police officers, and ICE operations do not replace or improve community-based public safety. AFSCME proudly represents and supports police officers, correctional staff, and public safety workers who are trained, accountable to local communities, and operate within clearly defined legal authority.

Concerns about ICE are not partisan. Many Americans across the political spectrum are increasingly alarmed by the expansion of federal surveillance, the erosion of Fourth Amendment protections, and federal agencies operating with limited transparency or accountability. Unchecked federal power should concern anyone who values individual liberty, due process, and states’ rights.

AFSCME Council 65 believes:

• Public safety is strongest when it is locally accountable and constitutionally grounded.
• Workers should never be placed in unsafe or legally unclear situations by federal overreach.
• Constitutional rights apply to everyone, and violations should be taken seriously.

The demands of the ICE Out of Minnesota: A Day of Truth and Freedom include:

• ICE must leave Minnesota now.
• The officer who killed Renee Good must be held legally accountable.
• No additional federal funding for ICE in the upcoming Congressional budget and ICE should be investigated for human and Constitutional violations of Americans and our neighbors.
• We call upon MN and National Companies to become 4th Amendment businesses, cease economic relations with ICE and refuse ICE entry or using their property for staging grounds.

AFSCME Council 65 will continue to advocate for safe workplaces, strong public services, and the constitutional freedoms that protect all working people.