Council Position on Recent Federal Action

From the Board of the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans
Last revised March 25, 2026

 

As members of the Board of the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans, a nonpartisan executive branch agency of the State of Minnesota, we are deeply concerned about the impact of recent federal immigration enforcement across our state.

 

These actions created widespread fear in our communities and nearly crippled countless businesses. Families are afraid to leave their homes for work, school, medical care, worship, or even routine daily activities. When residents are too fearful to participate in civic and community life, their confidence in public safety and governance deteriorates. Our neighborhoods are less vibrant, and our institutions are strained. The result is a profound and potentially long-term loss of trust in government.

 

The economic impact of Operation Metro Surge has been immediate and severe. Local businesses are struggling, workplaces are disrupted, and families face financial crises with significant long-term impact. Employees are afraid to report to work. For many in our refugee-experienced communities, enforcement tactics have also retraumatized individuals who fled violence and persecution in their countries of origin. 

 

The psychological toll has been profound and will last long into the future.

 

Rebuilding trust will be one of the most difficult challenges ahead. Communities must be able to rely on their government to uphold safety, fairness, and transparency. Council staff have been directed to actively support efforts in both the legislative and executive branches of state government to help communities recover from these enforcement actions and to minimize further harm.

 

We respectfully call on Minnesota’s elected leaders to demonstrate clear commitment and action. We urge these leaders to strengthen oversight, ensure transparency, protect due process, and safeguard the civil rights and dignity of all Minnesotans. Our state’s strength depends on communities that feel secure, valued, and able to fully participate in civic life.

 

As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation, we are reminded that democracy requires vigilance, accountability, and courage. We ask that elected officials uphold these principles and ensure that Minnesota remains a place where all communities can live, work, and thrive in safety and dignity.