2021 Minneapolis Candidate Questionnaire Responses

MIRAC sent a Questionnaire to all candidates running for Mayor and City Council in Minneapolis. Below are the responses we received. MIRAC will not be making endorsements in any races. Instead we are publishing candidates’ answers so immigrant communities and allies in Minneapolis know where all the candidates running stand on local immigration issues and legislation.

Minneapolis Mayor

Jacob Frey

  1. In 2018, Minneapolis passed an ordinance establishing a Municipal ID program, which would increase access to identification to those who have difficulty obtaining one--immigrants of all statuses, the homeless, older adults, low income people, and transgender people. The program has not been implemented. What will you do to ensure that the Municipal ID program gets implemented?

A Municipal ID serves many purposes and would benefit our undocumented community so that they could have a form of ID, open a bank account, and access additional city and government services through a card that could be used for everything from checking out a library book to taking the bus. I have supported the Municipal ID program long before I was elected, and dating back to 2011. I worked with Las Mujeres at that time, and sat down with city council members as a resident to insist on a Municipal ID. Since that time, there have been significant concerns to account for given the stance on immigration by Donald Trump. We cannot allow the names, addresses, and information of our undocumented neighbors to be seized by ICE or any other federal investigative body. We have an obligation to protect them. Acknowledging these concerns, I do believe there is a route forward, but we must be deliberate and account for all of the externalities in our approach.

  1. In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in ICE targeting immigrants in public settings previously considered safe, such as courthouses. What will you do to stop the city from collaborating with ICE and ensure the safety of undocumented immigrants in Minneapolis?

Neither our police department nor our municipal government has collaborated with ICE in my term as Mayor, and we will not collaborate with ICE as long as I am Mayor.

  1. How will you use your position to empower residents who are undocumented or hold temporary status including DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), TPS (Temporary Protected Status) or DED (Deferred Enforced Departure)?

The deciding factor between a resident flourishing in society and living in fear is often whether or not they know their rights. Under our leadership, the City of Minneapolis has partnered with several nonprofit organizations to provide legal assistance for immigrants. I would encourage anyone who is DACA eligible, or may be DACA eligible, to visit this link DACA Resources City of Minneapolis to be connected to trusted legal service providers and resources that can assist with payment of the $495 DACA renewal fee.

  1. How will you use your position to increase opportunities for youth in immigrant and diaspora communities?

The deciding factor between a resident flourishing in society and living in fear is often whether or not they know their rights. Under our leadership, the City of Minneapolis has partnered with several nonprofit organizations to provide legal assistance for immigrants. I would encourage anyone who is DACA eligible, or may be DACA eligible, to visit this link DACA Resources City of Minneapolis to be connected to trusted legal service providers and resources that can assist with payment of the $495 DACA renewal fee.

  1. How would you support the redevelopment of immigrant businesses harmed during the uprising?

This is a critically important issue and we’ve done extensive work in this area during my time as Mayor. Apologies for exceeding the word limit on this question, but I need to go into detail on this. It’s not enough to say that you believe in this redevelopment, you have to put your money where your mouth is - and we have. Once you invest the money, you have to ensure that immigrant and BIPOC business owners have the confidence to open these businesses. That confidence is not possible without safety, so I will speak to both needs in my answer.

In terms of funding, we’ve allocated a $2.5 million initial investment to establish a city fund that provides no-interest loans for business owners in racially segregated areas with concentrated poverty to purchase the commercial properties they currently lease, helping to ensure that they are able to be the beneficiaries of, rather than displaced by, increases to property values.

We’ve created the Commercial Property Development Fund that invests over $7 million to provide small businesses and developers with capital to support the acquisition or completion of commercial real estate in portions of Minneapolis that have experienced historic disinvestment and are vulnerable to displacement.

More substantially, the City Council recently approved my proposal for $37 million in direct relief and support for small businesses and workers from the American Rescue Plan funds.

On safety, I am opposed to defunding or abolishing the Minneapolis Police Department. We’ve heard from Immigrant and BIPOC business owners and residents throughout the city that they do not want the police to be abolished or defunded. We are already at a historically and uniquely low number of officers in the City of Minneapolis. At the moment I’m writing this answer, we have around ⅓ the officers per capita of Chicago and New York. We have close to the same number of total officers as Saint Paul. This is contributing, along with a variety of other factors, to the spikes in certain types of crime that we’ve seen over the past year. I believe we need to return to adequate staffing levels in addition to investing in alternative forms of public safety. We need both.

  1. Would you support increasing the amount of city resources to support vigorous enforcement of employment and labor laws focused on sectors of the economy with high violations which coincide in great part with industries that have a large number of immigrant workers: low-wage, day labor, and informal sector?

Yes

  1. Would you advocate in favor of strengthening tenants rights and protections in Minneapolis and to increase penalties on landlords who exclude, exploit or manipulate their tenants based on their immigration status?

Yes

8 . Would you support funding legal assistance to undocumented and low income immigrants involved in immigration-related legal proceedings?

Yes

  1. Do you support non-citizens having the right to vote in municipal elections?

Yes

  1. The federal Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) grant has been criticized as stigmatizing, profiling and potentially surveilling immigrant communities. Would you oppose the city receiving CVE funding?

Yes

AJ Awed

  1. In 2018, Minneapolis passed an ordinance establishing a Municipal ID program, which would increase access to identification to those who have difficulty obtaining one--immigrants of all statuses, the homeless, older adults, low income people, and transgender people. The program has not been implemented. What will you do to ensure that the Municipal ID program gets implemented?

As mayor I would make sure to have it in my budget, provide resources for its implementation, and promote this service to all individuals. Having access to an ID is necessary for many city programs and resources, making it all the more important that access for the program is expanded and prioritized. As an immigrant myself, I am extremely committed to ensuring access to city resources. I believe in making the ID program as accessible as possible with grants in place to help those needing financial assistance and making it free to low income individuals and those who qualify.

  1. In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in ICE targeting immigrants in public settings previously considered safe, such as courthouses. What will you do to stop the city from collaborating with ICE and ensure the safety of undocumented immigrants in Minneapolis?

If it is not still, I will make sure Minneapolis continues to be a sanctuary city. No city funded program within the municipal government under my administration would be cooperating with ICE and the federal government to obtain immigrants. I will make that a priority within my campaign to ensure that all immigrant individuals can feel safe and that their movements are free from scrutiny and the danger of deportation in public settings. I will not allow ICE into our city halls to terrorize and make anyone feel unsafe.

  1. How will you use your position to empower residents who are undocumented or hold temporary status including DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), TPS (Temporary Protected Status) or DED (Deferred Enforced Departure)?

This goes back to the issue of accessibility and for me, I’m a firm believer of making the process easier for undocumented people to have access to getting IDs. I will make sure undocumented individuals have access to programs, city services, and city suport interms of advocacy on their status. I will make a department of immigrant outreach whos focus is on the priority of empowering undocumented residents. In whatever capacity from the mayor's office I can provide; letters of support, testimonials, and any other supportive materials in pursuit of becoming residents because our city is the most welcoming and most inclusive city in the nation.

  1. How will you use your position to increase opportunities for youth in immigrant and diaspora communities?

As stated above, I intend to open up a department of immigrant outreach to empower and ensure immigrant individuals support and services to help them best flourish in their new home. For the youth population it's not just about providing them jobs. It’s also about helping them navigate the cultural divide. When immigrants arrive they don't know how to do taxes or open up a bank account, especially immigrant youths who come in their teens who are almost adults that don't have the access and knowhow.

  1. How would you support the redevelopment of immigrant businesses harmed during the uprising?

Through direct and earmarking of investments to those communities that need financial assistance. The city has done some but I plan to do more. We should be getting them to where they could be if they still had the access to succeed rather than just getting them back to the point they were in. Priority for minority and small immigrant businesses with city access to contracts, and making them more successful in and outside their communities. With direct investment, support networks and support resources, we would expand their access to resources and get them into platforms they might not have had access to.

  1. Would you support increasing the amount of city resources to support vigorous enforcement of employment and labor laws focused on sectors of the economy with high violations which coincide in great part with industries that have a large number of immigrant workers: low-wage, day labor, and informal sector?

Yes

  1. Would you advocate in favor of strengthening tenants rights and protections in Minneapolis and to increase penalties on landlords who exclude, exploit or manipulate their tenants based on their immigration status?

Yes

  1. Would you support funding legal assistance to undocumented and low income immigrants involved in immigration-related legal proceedings?

Yes

  1. Do you support non-citizens having the right to vote in municipal elections?

Yes

  1. The federal Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) grant has been criticized as stigmatizing, profiling and potentially surveilling immigrant communities. Would you oppose the city receiving CVE funding?

Yes

Kate Knuth

  1. In 2018, Minneapolis passed an ordinance establishing a Municipal ID program, which would increase access to identification to those who have difficulty obtaining one--immigrants of all statuses, the homeless, older adults, low income people, and transgender people. The program has not been implemented. What will you do to ensure that the Municipal ID program gets implemented?

As Mayor, I will take on the implementation of the Municipal ID program. Possessing a form of identification is crucial to everyday life whether that is opening a bank account, receiving health care, filing a police report, etc. It is also important for the city to make sure we implement Municipal ID in a way that does not compromise the safety of our undocumented neighbors. I will make safety a priority in implementation of Municipal ID.

  1. In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in ICE targeting immigrants in public settings previously considered safe, such as courthouses. What will you do to stop the city from collaborating with ICE and ensure the safety of undocumented immigrants in Minneapolis?

I have previously pledged that during my time in office, law enforcement under my jurisdiction will not cooperate with ICE because to ensure that every person in our city regardless of our status living in and moving around the city is safe in our community is one of my highest priorities. Our city already has a separation ordinance on the books which prevents city personnel and police officers from questioning the status of residents but there need to be consequences to those who chose to violate that and cooperate with ICE.

  1. How will you use your position to empower residents who are undocumented or hold temporary status including DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), TPS (Temporary Protected Status) or DED (Deferred Enforced Departure)?

As Mayor, I will work to protect and empower undocumented people and people who hold contemporary status. I will use the bully pulpit of the mayor’s office for immigration reform. I envision this including a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and those who hold temporary status as well as Driver’s License for all in Minnesota. My administration will work to establish a DACA renewal fund and will be responsive partners to anyone that has questions about how to use the newly established Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs.

  1. How will you use your position to increase opportunities for youth in immigrant and diaspora communities?

As mayor, I will launch the “Claim Our Future” Initiative – a citywide program for young men including leadership curriculum, mentorship, wraparound services, and employment opportunities. I will work on a universal college savings program using St. Paul’s “CollegeBound” program as a model. I will work to develop a “Better Minneapolis” jobs program that pays young people (16-21) $15-$20 an hour for work in city services. Part of my holistic public safety plan is making community engagement & public life central to Minneapolis. You can read more about my Building Public Safety and Transforming Policing Plan.

  1. How would you support the redevelopment of immigrant businesses harmed during the uprising?

I will work with business leaders and communities to build a community-informed plan for rebuilding along Lake Street and W. Broadway and help align financial resources behind the plan. One thing missing right now in Minneapolis is strong mayoral leadership to convene a collaboration to create a cross-sector plan and align public resources in support of it. I will work in collaboration with community leaders and business owners and champion Minneapolis needs across levels of government to find and fund rebuilding for immigrant- and BIPOC-owned businesses harmed during the uprising.

  1. Would you support increasing the amount of city resources to support vigorous enforcement of employment and labor laws focused on sectors of the economy with high violations which coincide in great part with industries that have a large number of immigrant workers: low-wage, day labor, and informal sector?

Yes

  1. Would you advocate in favor of strengthening tenants rights and protections in Minneapolis and to increase penalties on landlords who exclude, exploit or manipulate their tenants based on their immigration status?

Yes

  1. Would you support funding legal assistance to undocumented and low income immigrants involved in immigration-related legal proceedings?

Yes

  1. Do you support non-citizens having the right to vote in municipal elections?

Yes

  1. The federal Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) grant has been criticized as stigmatizing, profiling and potentially surveilling immigrant communities. Would you oppose the city receiving CVE funding?

Yes

Sheila Nezhad

  1. In 2018, Minneapolis passed an ordinance establishing a Municipal ID program, which would increase access to identification to those who have difficulty obtaining one--immigrants of all statuses, the homeless, older adults, low income people, and transgender people. The program has not been implemented. What will you do to ensure that the Municipal ID program gets implemented?

I support a system for Municipal IDs. Having access to official identification with minimal barriers is critical to us maintaining services, and the ID could help distribute other aid & services to more people. I will make sure to budget for building our Municipal ID systems, and I will collaborate with City Council members to ensure that we implement this program.

  1. In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in ICE targeting immigrants in public settings previously considered safe, such as courthouses. What will you do to stop the city from collaborating with ICE and ensure the safety of undocumented immigrants in Minneapolis?

I do not support ICE in our city, they create a constant threat to our undocumented resident’s safety and the stability of our immigrant communities. I will work to make sure that our police department actually stops collaborating with ICE, and distance our city from Hennepin County's ICE partnerships to keep our residents safe. I will advocate to our Federal Representatives to defund ICE, but we as a city can also help our neighbors by making sure that everyone has access to a safe workplace and housing that won’t result in retaliation against undocumented workers, as well as providing legal assistance to those who need help defending their rights to be in Minneapolis.

  1. How will you use your position to empower residents who are undocumented or hold temporary status including DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), TPS (Temporary Protected Status) or DED (Deferred Enforced Departure)?

I believe everybody in Minneapolis deserves to thrive. I want to make sure our city protects it’s immigrant communities, not just from the threat of deportation, but from unfair & unsafe working conditions and abusive landlords. I plan to put more funding behind attorney’s to assist with immigration, labor, and housing issues facing residents, as well as more funding for worker’s centers and tenant organizations.

  1. How will you use your position to increase opportunities for youth in immigrant and diaspora communities?

A key part of my Safety Platform is funding more programming for youth and young adults. I want to make sure that young people live enriched lives, and that means providing as many opportunities as we can. I would like to see our city invest more in well paying green jobs that are accessible to young adults of all backgrounds, and more funding for recreation and community centers so that youth have access to culturally-appropriate activities. Both of these things can help instill a strong sense of belonging in our city that will create stronger communities.

  1. How would you support the redevelopment of immigrant businesses harmed during the uprising?

We need to make sure that discussions around development include the people who live and work in these neighborhoods, especially the working-class, immigrant, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ residents who have been left out of these conversations historically. In the case of redevelopment after the uprising, especially along the Lake Street corridor, I want to make sure that our immigrant-owned businesses stay alive and continue to contribute to our communities. We should strive to make sure that the people benefiting from the rebuilding are the folks who own businesses and live in the neighborhood, not the developers and landlords.

  1. Would you support increasing the amount of city resources to support vigorous enforcement of employment and labor laws focused on sectors of the economy with high violations which coincide in great part with industries that have a large number of immigrant workers: low-wage, day labor, and informal sector?

Yes

  1. Would you advocate in favor of strengthening tenants rights and protections in Minneapolis and to increase penalties on landlords who exclude, exploit or manipulate their tenants based on their immigration status?

Yes

  1. Would you support funding legal assistance to undocumented and low income immigrants involved in immigration-related legal proceedings?

Yes

  1. Do you support non-citizens having the right to vote in municipal elections?

Yes

  1. The federal Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) grant has been criticized as stigmatizing, profiling and potentially surveilling immigrant communities. Would you oppose the city receiving CVE funding?

Yes

Minneapolis City Council - Ward 1

Kevin Reich

  1. In 2018, Minneapolis passed an ordinance establishing a Municipal ID program, which would increase access to identification to those who have difficulty obtaining one--immigrants of all statuses, the homeless, older adults, low income people, and transgender people. The program has not been implemented. What will you do to ensure that the Municipal ID program gets implemented?

We will continue to secure funding for the Municipal ID program and have a dedicated staff working diligently to implement this program in the very near future. The Municipal ID program, along with many other projects, got held up while the City dealt with the pandemic.

  1. In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in ICE targeting immigrants in public settings previously considered safe, such as courthouses. What will you do to stop the city from collaborating with ICE and ensure the safety of undocumented immigrants in Minneapolis?

We already have policies in place that prevent coordination with any outside enforcement groups, especially ICE. The City has also passed ordinances that protect undocumented immigrants, like the ordinance deeming that Minneapolis will not participate in a national registry of undocumented immigrants. I will continue to support and strengthen these protections.

  1. How will you use your position to empower residents who are undocumented or hold temporary status including DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), TPS (Temporary Protected Status) or DED (Deferred Enforced Departure)?

A City is supposed to be a platform of success for its citizens. That means my role as City Council Member is to provide my Ward with the resources and opportunities to use that platform of success. I am deeply committed to serving everyone I represent and making sure they have to tools to live their best life.

  1. How will you use your position to increase opportunities for youth in immigrant and diaspora communities?

In the Eastside, I have made sure that our immigrant youth and diaspora communities have the amenities they need. We have funded educational, recreational, and worker development programs for these communities. I will continue to support these initiatives and explore any others that will uplift our cultural communities.

  1. How would you support the redevelopment of immigrant businesses harmed during the uprising?

Following the uprising, the City approved an unprecedented waiving of fees and approved multiple layers of funding for rebuilding efforts. The City also dedicated staff to coordinate with immigrant businesses making sure that they have the resources they need. We will continue to support our immigrant businesses that were harmed during the uprising and because of the pandemic. They are what makes us uniquely the Eastside.

  1. Would you support increasing the amount of city resources to support vigorous enforcement of employment and labor laws focused on sectors of the economy with high violations which coincide in great part with industries that have a large number of immigrant workers: low-wage, day labor, and informal sector?

Yes

  1. Would you advocate in favor of strengthening tenants rights and protections in Minneapolis and to increase penalties on landlords who exclude, exploit or manipulate their tenants based on their immigration status?

Yes

  1. Would you support funding legal assistance to undocumented and low income immigrants involved in immigration-related legal proceedings?

Yes

  1. Do you support non-citizens having the right to vote in municipal elections?

Yes

  1. The federal Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) grant has been criticized as stigmatizing, profiling and potentially surveilling immigrant communities. Would you oppose the city receiving CVE funding?

Yes

Elliott Payne

  1. In 2018, Minneapolis passed an ordinance establishing a Municipal ID program, which would increase access to identification to those who have difficulty obtaining one--immigrants of all statuses, the homeless, older adults, low income people, and transgender people. The program has not been implemented. What will you do to ensure that the Municipal ID program gets implemented?

Right now our biggest barrier is legislation at the state level. Even though the Municipal ID program was passed at the city level, implementation has stalled because of privacy concerns around sensitive public information associated with the IDs. Bills were introduced at the state legislature to fix this problem in 2019, but haven’t been able to make it out of committee. Getting this done is going to take pressure at the state capitol. As a council member, I will work with organizations like MIRAC and many others to put pressure on state legislators to get this done.

  1. In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in ICE targeting immigrants in public settings previously considered safe, such as courthouses. What will you do to stop the city from collaborating with ICE and ensure the safety of undocumented immigrants in Minneapolis?

Even though our immigration separation ordinance prohibits city employees from asking about immigration status, we know MPD routinely breaks that law. Frankly, it doesn’t matter what our laws are, if we cannot count on the police to obey them. I think the most important action that we can take to protect our neighbors is to limit public interaction with police as much as possible. That means taking responsibilities away from MPD--for example, traffic enforcement and mental health calls--and assigning them to other professionals, who we can trust to obey the law and respect our neighbors.

  1. How will you use your position to empower residents who are undocumented or hold temporary status including DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), TPS (Temporary Protected Status) or DED (Deferred Enforced Departure)?

The most important thing that I can do as a council member is build deep and lasting relationships with immigrant-led organizations and my immigrant neighbors and invite them into the policy-making process. It’s my job as a CM to proactively seek out the perspectives of folks in the immigrant community, rather than waiting for people to come to me. In Ward 1 especially, there’s been a lot of earned distrust of city government. I see my work as reparative, building trust and relationships with immigrant communities so that folks from all backgrounds are empowered to participate in policy-making.

  1. How will you use your position to increase opportunities for youth in immigrant and diaspora communities?

I want to increase opportunities for youth in immigrant and diaspora communities for incorporation into our local community and for connection to their heritage communities or country of origin. Currently, young people in Minneapolis are underserved on both fronts. We can create programs that recognize the bridging and translating roles that young people often play in their communities and provide them with opportunities to learn more about the complex systems they help their families navigate while earning work experience and income. I would be eager to work with immigrant/diaspora youth and immigrant-led organizations to develop this kind of program.

  1. How would you support the redevelopment of immigrant businesses harmed during the uprising?

So far, most of the financial support business owners have gotten for reopening their businesses have come from non-profit organizations, foundations, and members of their own communities. The immediate thing the city can do is offer regulatory assistance to business owners. But we shouldn’t be relying on the generosity of non-profits, foundations, and the impacted communities to fund this. If we’re serious about investing in immigrant communities, we need to move money out of city departments and agencies that don’t work for all of us and into programs that can rebuild businesses and repair the harm that has been done.

  1. Would you support increasing the amount of city resources to support vigorous enforcement of employment and labor laws focused on sectors of the economy with high violations which coincide in great part with industries that have a large number of immigrant workers: low-wage, day labor, and informal sector?

Yes

  1. Would you advocate in favor of strengthening tenants rights and protections in Minneapolis and to increase penalties on landlords who exclude, exploit or manipulate their tenants based on their immigration status?

Yes

  1. Would you support funding legal assistance to undocumented and low income immigrants involved in immigration-related legal proceedings?

Yes

  1. Do you support non-citizens having the right to vote in municipal elections?

Yes

  1. The federal Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) grant has been criticized as stigmatizing, profiling and potentially surveilling immigrant communities. Would you oppose the city receiving CVE funding?

Yes

Minneapolis City Council - Ward 2

Tom Anderson

  1. In 2018, Minneapolis passed an ordinance establishing a Municipal ID program, which would increase access to identification to those who have difficulty obtaining one--immigrants of all statuses, the homeless, older adults, low income people, and transgender people. The program has not been implemented. What will you do to ensure that the Municipal ID program gets implemented?

Municipal ID programs are a crucial way to provide regular civic and economic access to undocumented people who otherwise would not have access to obtaining a government-issued ID. From my understanding, this has not been implemented because of concerns that it may harm undocumented people by making it easier for them to be targeted by ICE officials. While this concern is valid, I don’t think it’s a valid reason to not implement the program altogether. We should work with community organizations to implement the program and create a system to ensure that unnecessary document retention is minimal.

  1. In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in ICE targeting immigrants in public settings previously considered safe, such as courthouses. What will you do to stop the city from collaborating with ICE and ensure the safety of undocumented immigrants in Minneapolis?

The state should adopt a rule prohibiting civil immigration arrests in or near courthouses without a judicial warrant. The city should establish a clear and robust system for enforcing the immigration separation ordinance and should expand it to apply to Metro Transit, in addition to the state expanding it to include the Minnesota State Patrol and other law enforcement officials that operate within our city limits.

  1. How will you use your position to empower residents who are undocumented or hold temporary status including DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), TPS (Temporary Protected Status) or DED (Deferred Enforced Departure)?

Providing greater access to crucial information, like “know your rights” workshops and pre-departure/post-arrival trainings to help inform residents who are undocumented of their rights is one way we can help empower them. Safely implementing the municipal ID program is another way to empower them. Having community celebrations that provide the opportunity for immigrants to share their culture with others is another way to empower all immigrants in our communities. Connecting people to free TESOL opportunities can also help empower people who are undocumented. I’m interested in learning about more ways we can empower our neighbors who are undocumented.

  1. How will you use your position to increase opportunities for youth in immigrant and diaspora communities?

There are a number of ways we can increase opportunities in immigrant and diaspora communities, such as investing in programs that provide youth from these communities to share their language and culture, partnering with our schools to incorporate culturally appropriate classroom and after-school learning experiences, and supporting parents through outreach and support groups. I would love the opportunity to learn about other ideas we can implement as a city from community organizations like MIRAC and others.

  1. How would you support the redevelopment of immigrant businesses harmed during the uprising?

Immigrant businesses are a critical part of our community and East Lake Street in Ward 2 is an area in particular that prides itself on the number of immigrant businesses we have. The failure of the state and federal governments to provide the resources necessary to rebuild has put our immigrant business owners at a severe disadvantage. I believe the city should apply more pressure to our state and federal government, in addition to finding more public-private partnerships to obtain more funding from large corporation's philanthropic foundations.

  1. Would you support increasing the amount of city resources to support vigorous enforcement of employment and labor laws focused on sectors of the economy with high violations which coincide in great part with industries that have a large number of immigrant workers: low-wage, day labor, and informal sector?

Yes

  1. Would you advocate in favor of strengthening tenants rights and protections in Minneapolis and to increase penalties on landlords who exclude, exploit or manipulate their tenants based on their immigration status?

Yes

  1. Would you support funding legal assistance to undocumented and low income immigrants involved in immigration-related legal proceedings?

Yes

  1. Do you support non-citizens having the right to vote in municipal elections?

Yes

  1. The federal Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) grant has been criticized as stigmatizing, profiling and potentially surveilling immigrant communities. Would you oppose the city receiving CVE funding?

Yes

Robin Wonsley Worlobah

  1. In 2018, Minneapolis passed an ordinance establishing a Municipal ID program, which would increase access to identification to those who have difficulty obtaining one--immigrants of all statuses, the homeless, older adults, low income people, and transgender people. The program has not been implemented. What will you do to ensure that the Municipal ID program gets implemented?

Municipal IDs are too important for the working class of Minneapolis to allow them to be stalled out by a lack of political will in City Hill. The reality is that real wins are only made into reality through on-the-ground organizing. I am committing to use my position as an elected official to build this organizing by working with social movements and community groups to back direct action, workplace, and neighborhood organizing to hold City Hall’s feet to the fire until there is sufficient action taken on Municipal IDs, as well as numerous other programs that we need.

  1. In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in ICE targeting immigrants in public settings previously considered safe, such as courthouses. What will you do to stop the city from collaborating with ICE and ensure the safety of undocumented immigrants in Minneapolis?

If Minneapolis is serious about living up to the title of “sanctuary city,” we need to take concrete action to protect immigrants through every political measure possible, and physically when necessary. Although MPD’s policy manual officially prohibits collaboration with ICE, we know that discriminatory and racist practices permeate every level of our justice system from beat cops to courthouses. Overhauling the public safety system is crucial to ensuring the safety of immigrants long term. Short term, I would work to prohibit ICE officers from entering city buildings, as well as public spaces including public housing, schools, transportation, and parks. I would also fight for a Domestic Worker Bill of Rights to protect workers who are targeted by ICE at work. Furthermore, I would organize broad support for municipal IDs and a Municipal Bank which would help individuals without documentation access basic resources with less risk. Additionally, I will continue to build city-wide support for statewide immigrant protections such as the Drivers License for All legislation, which continues to be stalled by the Democratic establishment and right-winged elected leaders.

  1. How will you use your position to empower residents who are undocumented or hold temporary status including DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), TPS (Temporary Protected Status) or DED (Deferred Enforced Departure)?

I will speak out loudly in support of these residents and their rights. I will follow the lead or organized communities of DACA, TPS, and DED recipients to back whatever policy and/or infrastructural demands they advance. Additionally, I will champion the creation of a Minneapolis justice fund which will provide free and high quality to immigrant residents.

Furthermore, I am fighting for a number of universal programs including universal housing, jobs programs, and mental healthcare which will provide no-cost, no-means testing resources to anyone, regardless of status. Recognizing the limited role of a municipal elected official in impacting federal policies like DACA and TPS, I would do my best to work in solidarity with other elected officials across the country to suppo

  1. How will you use your position to increase opportunities for youth in immigrant and diaspora communities?

I am fighting for full funding for social services and community needs, including housing, education, transportation, jobs training, and mental and public health services. Like all universal programs, these will disproportionately impact those who are often economically and legally marginalized, including youth in immigrant and diaspora communities. I will work with unions to establish clear jobs pipelines for youth coming out of high school or college, as well as those exiting incarceration.

  1. How would you support the redevelopment of immigrant businesses harmed during the uprising?

I am passionate about reversing the extractive dynamics of our current taxation system, which allows big businesses to extract wealth and labor out of our communities while small businesses struggle to stay above water. This dynamic has only gotten worse after the uprising, when large businesses in ward 2 like the Autozone and USBank were able to reopen quickly while many beloved small restaurants on Lake Street are still struggling to reopen.

This is why I would push for a package of fees and taxes on the rich and on corporations, which would both generate city revenue for social services and allow us to provide more financial relief to small businesses, especially those whose businesses were closed and/or destroyed during the uprising.

Furthermore, a Rent Control policy will be passed in the next year and I will fight to ensure that the policy is extended to commercial properties that lease space to small and micro businesses, especially those owned by Black and Brown residents. Additionally, the pandemic compounded with the uprising has also greatly impacted workers of local businesses. With that said, I will support directing revenue sources towards creating a worker relief fund that will give financial assistance to small and immigrant business

  1. Would you support increasing the amount of city resources to support vigorous enforcement of employment and labor laws focused on sectors of the economy with high violations which coincide in great part with industries that have a large number of immigrant workers: low-wage, day labor, and informal sector?

Yes

  1. Would you advocate in favor of strengthening tenants rights and protections in Minneapolis and to increase penalties on landlords who exclude, exploit or manipulate their tenants based on their immigration status?

Yes

  1. Would you support funding legal assistance to undocumented and low income immigrants involved in immigration-related legal proceedings?

Yes

  1. Do you support non-citizens having the right to vote in municipal elections?

Yes

  1. The federal Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) grant has been criticized as stigmatizing, profiling and potentially surveilling immigrant communities. Would you oppose the city receiving CVE funding?

Yes

Minneapolis City Council - Ward 3

Steve Fletcher

  1. In 2018, Minneapolis passed an ordinance establishing a Municipal ID program, which would increase access to identification to those who have difficulty obtaining one--immigrants of all statuses, the homeless, older adults, low income people, and transgender people. The program has not been implemented. What will you do to ensure that the Municipal ID program gets implemented?

Current state law does not adequately protect the personal data required for the successful implementation of a Municipal ID program to ensure that participants would not be put at undue risk of harm and surveillance. I strongly support Muncipal ID will continue to support and advocate for the proper classification of that data to ensure that we can protect people’s data privacy in a Municipal ID program.

  1. In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in ICE targeting immigrants in public settings previously considered safe, such as courthouses. What will you do to stop the city from collaborating with ICE and ensure the safety of undocumented immigrants in Minneapolis?

We have prohibited city staff from collaborating with ICE. I have been working to limit the data we collect about people, including a ban on municipal use of facial recognition software to make sure we’re not gathering data on people that ICE could use for unintended purposes. I have supported and will continue to support enforcement policies for non-violent crimes that minimize exposure to County and Federal systems that might collaborate with ICE.

  1. How will you use your position to empower residents who are undocumented or hold temporary status including DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), TPS (Temporary Protected Status) or DED (Deferred Enforced Departure)?

It’s very important to me that every resident in our city feels comfortable contacting city government to access services and assert their rights. That work is deeply interconnected with our work to transform public safety, to make sure non-police responses are available for health and social issues, so that everyone can access those services without fear.

  1. How will you use your position to increase opportunities for youth in immigrant and diaspora communities?

I have now authored or supported three separate budget amendments that have added resources for youth outreach workers for Somali and Latinx communities, and I’ll continue to simultaneously advocate for funding and push for stronger inclusion efforts for youth programs that create opportunities for youth from immigrant and diaspora communities to learn, create and work.

  1. How would you support the redevelopment of immigrant businesses harmed during the uprising?

I supported a significant expenditure of ARPA funds to recovery, and support staff efforts to target that recovery first to businesses that are otherwise struggling to access credit and insurance. I’m a little appalled by the underwhelming response from the state legislature to this vital economic need and will continue to advocate at every level of government for greater support for rebuilding efforts, including supports for commercial tenants to purchase buildings where possible as they rebuild.

  1. Would you support increasing the amount of city resources to support vigorous enforcement of employment and labor laws focused on sectors of the economy with high violations which coincide in great part with industries that have a large number of immigrant workers: low-wage, day labor, and informal sector?

Yes

  1. Would you advocate in favor of strengthening tenants rights and protections in Minneapolis and to increase penalties on landlords who exclude, exploit or manipulate their tenants based on their immigration status?

Yes

  1. Would you support funding legal assistance to undocumented and low income immigrants involved in immigration-related legal proceedings?

Yes

  1. Do you support non-citizens having the right to vote in municipal elections?

Yes

  1. The federal Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) grant has been criticized as stigmatizing, profiling and potentially surveilling immigrant communities. Would you oppose the city receiving CVE funding?

Yes

Minneapolis City Council - Ward 5

Kristel Porter

  1. In 2018, Minneapolis passed an ordinance establishing a Municipal ID program, which would increase access to identification to those who have difficulty obtaining one--immigrants of all statuses, the homeless, older adults, low income people, and transgender people. The program has not been implemented. What will you do to ensure that the Municipal ID program gets implemented?

I find it troubling that oftentimes we work hard on a project or policy, then celebrate passing it, yet it never gets implemented or enforced. I remember being in room 317 at City Hall when this passed three years ago. I will do everything in my power, once I am on City Council to make sure that the department that is in charge of taking care of this, will be required to plan out measures to lobby our state legislatures.

The Municipal ID is currently on hold because of MN's Data Practices Act and without making changes to it, everyone's information would be public including birth dates and addresses. So the City's role going forward would be to lobby the state to make a change. We cannot do anything with Municipal ID until this happens.

  1. In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in ICE targeting immigrants in public settings previously considered safe, such as courthouses. What will you do to stop the city from collaborating with ICE and ensure the safety of undocumented immigrants in Minneapolis?

I stand by the Mayor and our chief when they stated: ""Chief Arradondo and I have – and will again – reaffirm our commitment to standing with our immigrant communities. Know that MPD have not and will not cooperate with any such activity and are prohibited from taking action to detect or apprehend based solely on immigration status.

Minneapolis will continue to be a safe-haven for residents who are immigrants, and I will do everything in my power to continue to highlight the fact that every resident, regardless of where they were born is a valuable neighbor, and contributes to our rich culture and tax base everyday. Since they take care of us, it is our responsibility to take care of them and to keep them safe.

  1. How will you use your position to empower residents who are undocumented or hold temporary status including DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), TPS (Temporary Protected Status) or DED (Deferred Enforced Departure)?

I used to work for our US Senator Al Franken. Many people have no idea how powerful it is to reach out to our Legislatures and their staff. Since this is a federal issue, we need to set up a system that refers our residents who have DACA, TPS or DED status to our state representatives immediately. Work with them and to make sure their case is getting the attention and service it needs. At the end of the day, keeping families together and supporting every resident will always result in a strong, healthy and safe community.

  1. How will you use your position to increase opportunities for youth in immigrant and diaspora communities?

I will continue to support increased funding into the Step Up Program and will advocate for an increase in funding for youth programs in Parks, Public housing, and afterschool programs. I will also support any local businesses who choose to employ youth from the community they serve. This creates opportunity for them to learn the value of work, making money to provide for their families, and builds relationships with the youth and the community around them.

  1. How would you support the redevelopment of immigrant businesses harmed during the uprising?

I supported a significant expenditure of ARPA funds to recovery, and support staff efforts to target that recovery first to businesses that are otherwise struggling to access credit and insurance. I’m a little appalled by the underwhelming response from the state legislature to this vital economic need and will continue to advocate at every level of government for greater support for rebuilding efforts, including supports for commercial tenants to purchase buildings where possible as they rebuild.

  1. Would you support increasing the amount of city resources to support vigorous enforcement of employment and labor laws focused on sectors of the economy with high violations which coincide in great part with industries that have a large number of immigrant workers: low-wage, day labor, and informal sector?

Yes

  1. Would you advocate in favor of strengthening tenants rights and protections in Minneapolis and to increase penalties on landlords who exclude, exploit or manipulate their tenants based on their immigration status?

Yes

  1. Would you support funding legal assistance to undocumented and low income immigrants involved in immigration-related legal proceedings?

Yes

  1. Do you support non-citizens having the right to vote in municipal elections?

Yes

  1. The federal Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) grant has been criticized as stigmatizing, profiling and potentially surveilling immigrant communities. Would you oppose the city receiving CVE funding?

Yes

Minneapolis City Council - Ward 7

Nick Kor

  1. In 2018, Minneapolis passed an ordinance establishing a Municipal ID program, which would increase access to identification to those who have difficulty obtaining one--immigrants of all statuses, the homeless, older adults, low income people, and transgender people. The program has not been implemented. What will you do to ensure that the Municipal ID program gets implemented?

The first step is to ensure that data taken from Municipal IDs are considered private data so it cannot be used to target undocumented immigrants. I will work with the state legislators to both ensure that Municipal ID data is private and also push for drivers licenses for all, which would reduce the need for Municipal IDs. I will continue to work with communities to ensure they have a voice in the creation of the program and that their visions for the program are met when the time comes to implement it.

  1. In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in ICE targeting immigrants in public settings previously considered safe, such as courthouses. What will you do to stop the city from collaborating with ICE and ensure the safety of undocumented immigrants in Minneapolis?

While Minneapolis has a separation ordinance, we need to work with communities to ensure enforcement and accountability of this ordinance. Additionally, we need to specifically include these procedures within MPD and other city department policies. Lastly, the city must refuse any federal funding that requires collaboration with ICE. I am grateful for Decriminalizing Communities Coalitions’ latest win to ensure the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office no longer coordinates with ICE. I’ll continue to work with communities to secure protections for immigrant arrestees and to ensure Hennepin County and other governments do not work with ICE.

  1. How will you use your position to empower residents who are undocumented or hold temporary status including DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), TPS (Temporary Protected Status) or DED (Deferred Enforced Departure)?

First, I will ensure that all residents regardless of status have access to the basic needs that the city provides, like housing, healthcare, food, and jobs. When federal programs are denied, the city should prioritize and supplement money towards similar city programs so undocumented residents can access them. Additionally, the city must provide support to residents on navigating the criminal legal system, including free legal support. Lastly, I will ensure that city agencies have staffing that is bilingual, culturally competent, and present in immigrant communities to build trusting relationships and access to government with residents who are undocumented.

  1. How will you use your position to increase opportunities for youth in immigrant and diaspora communities?

We need to create welcoming spaces for immigrant youth, and this starts in schools and after school activities. Many immigrant students, particularly Asian students, report being bullied and unwelcome in school. This has been particularly true this past year with the rise of anti-Asian violence. Often, immigrant students are told to go back to their home country, or that they are not American, because of how they look or how they speak. I will work with and continue to push MPS and the MPRB to create welcoming school and after-school environments for all students, including immigrant students, so that all our youth have opportunities to thrive.

  1. How would you support the redevelopment of immigrant businesses harmed during the uprising?

We must use ARP funding and invest it back into our immigrant neighborhoods and communities. Priority should be given to support our locally owned, small business owners, community nonprofits, artists, and immigrant neighborhoods. We must ensure that these resources are accessible, meaning our materials must be in multiple languages, we have community liaisons discussing resources with immigrant business owners, and have forms and processes available in both print and digital forms. We must also bridge gaps between immigrant businesses and financial institutions, helping small businesses receive the finances they need to thrive.

  1. Would you support increasing the amount of city resources to support vigorous enforcement of employment and labor laws focused on sectors of the economy with high violations which coincide in great part with industries that have a large number of immigrant workers: low-wage, day labor, and informal sector?

Yes

  1. Would you advocate in favor of strengthening tenants rights and protections in Minneapolis and to increase penalties on landlords who exclude, exploit or manipulate their tenants based on their immigration status?

Yes

  1. Would you support funding legal assistance to undocumented and low income immigrants involved in immigration-related legal proceedings?

Yes

  1. Do you support non-citizens having the right to vote in municipal elections?

Yes

  1. The federal Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) grant has been criticized as stigmatizing, profiling and potentially surveilling immigrant communities. Would you oppose the city receiving CVE funding?

Yes

Minneapolis City Council - Ward 8

Andrea Jenkins

  1. In 2018, Minneapolis passed an ordinance establishing a Municipal ID program, which would increase access to identification to those who have difficulty obtaining one--immigrants of all statuses, the homeless, older adults, low income people, and transgender people. The program has not been implemented. What will you do to ensure that the Municipal ID program gets implemented?

I will continue to work with organizers, state legislators and Hennepin County Commissioners to implement a Municipal ID program.

  1. In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in ICE targeting immigrants in public settings previously considered safe, such as courthouses. What will you do to stop the city from collaborating with ICE and ensure the safety of undocumented immigrants in Minneapolis?

Minneapolis is and continues to be a (sanctuary city). Our law enforcement does not collaborate with ICE. We will help to fund legal support for people experiencing potential challenges from ICE, including deportation.

  1. How will you use your position to empower residents who are undocumented or hold temporary status including DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), TPS (Temporary Protected Status) or DED (Deferred Enforced Departure)?

I will continue to fight for Municipal ID and will continue to include immigrants and undocumented folks in programs the city implements. I stand alongside undocumented immigrants as they fight for changes at the Federal level.

  1. How will you use your position to increase opportunities for youth in immigrant and diaspora communities?

I was one of the lead authors in creating cultural corridors to support youth in immigrant communities, ensuring resources, job training, and cultural events for diasporic communities.

  1. How would you support the redevelopment of immigrant businesses harmed during the uprising?

I chair the Economic Recovery Workforce Group that is working directly with immigrant businesses to recover from the downturn in the economy and the civil unrest. Through the cultural corridors, we were able to target and distribute the COVID-19 funds.

  1. Would you support increasing the amount of city resources to support vigorous enforcement of employment and labor laws focused on sectors of the economy with high violations which coincide in great part with industries that have a large number of immigrant workers: low-wage, day labor, and informal sector?

Yes

  1. Would you advocate in favor of strengthening tenants rights and protections in Minneapolis and to increase penalties on landlords who exclude, exploit or manipulate their tenants based on their immigration status?

Yes

  1. Would you support funding legal assistance to undocumented and low income immigrants involved in immigration-related legal proceedings?

Yes

  1. Do you support non-citizens having the right to vote in municipal elections?

Yes

  1. The federal Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) grant has been criticized as stigmatizing, profiling and potentially surveilling immigrant communities. Would you oppose the city receiving CVE funding?

Yes

Minneapolis City Council - Ward 9

Jason Chavez

  1. In 2018, Minneapolis passed an ordinance establishing a Municipal ID program, which would increase access to identification to those who have difficulty obtaining one--immigrants of all statuses, the homeless, older adults, low income people, and transgender people. The program has not been implemented. What will you do to ensure that the Municipal ID program gets implemented?

As a son of Mexican Immigrant parents, the Municipal ID Program would greatly help my family, a big undocumented and immigrant community in the 9th Ward, our LGBTQ+ & unhoused community, and many people that live here.

I will fight hard to ensure we can achieve this as long as data protection is guaranteed (the 9th Ward has the biggest undocumented community and people here need protections against ICE). I plan to work with the State Legislature on data protection so we can easily pass a municipal ID that will greatly benefit our community members.

  1. In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in ICE targeting immigrants in public settings previously considered safe, such as courthouses. What will you do to stop the city from collaborating with ICE and ensure the safety of undocumented immigrants in Minneapolis?

This is a personal question to me. I have personally experienced family members being deported because ICE is targeting our immigrant communities and many people here in the 9th Ward. It is abundantly clear that the Minneapolis Police Department is collaborating with ICE and as Council Member, I will stop collaborating and working with them to keep families together.

It is also important to enact immigration defense funds to ensure that we are protecting immigrants that are in deportation proceedings and those that want to begin a pathway to citizenship.

  1. How will you use your position to empower residents who are undocumented or hold temporary status including DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), TPS (Temporary Protected Status) or DED (Deferred Enforced Departure)?

I’m a proud son of Mexican Immigrants. The City of Minneapolis needs to live up to its promise of supporting immigrants and It’s important for me to empower all immigrant communities through our values & policy. All immigrants belong here, & our policy must reflect that.

We must ban facial recognition, reject any CVE money that criminalizes our Muslim community, support funds for immigrant related fees, & pass a DACA Fund Ordinance that will support our DACAmented community & ensure people do not have to choose between staying in Minnesota or having no place to live and food to eat.

  1. How will you use your position to increase opportunities for youth in immigrant and diaspora communities?

Our youth in immigrant and diaspora communities are in dire need of opportunities. I will use my position to create employment opportunities, support centers for youth, address housing instability, and support programming.

We need to work with Minneapolis Public Schools and organizations to support young people with employment and leadership training while simultaneously passing a housing bill of rights to ensure that housing insecurity is not a factor in impacting someone's education.

As a Council Member, it will be critical for me to create youth centers with funding to teach young people about taxes, cooking, sports, and useful life tools.

  1. How would you support the redevelopment of immigrant businesses harmed during the uprising?

I serve as a Legislative Aide to the Workforce and Business Development Committee at the MN House of Representatives where I passed legislation to help rebuild Lake Street and immigrant businesses. After months of hard work, we were able to secure $80 million in funding to help support small businesses that were impacted by COVID-19 and the uprising.

As a Council Member, I will work to get local emergency and COVID-19 relief funding, establish a small business rent relief program, put a moratorium on commercial evictions, push for community ownership of buildings and tax corporations to alleviate small businesses.

  1. Would you support increasing the amount of city resources to support vigorous enforcement of employment and labor laws focused on sectors of the economy with high violations which coincide in great part with industries that have a large number of immigrant workers: low-wage, day labor, and informal sector?

Yes

  1. Would you advocate in favor of strengthening tenants rights and protections in Minneapolis and to increase penalties on landlords who exclude, exploit or manipulate their tenants based on their immigration status?

Yes

  1. Would you support funding legal assistance to undocumented and low income immigrants involved in immigration-related legal proceedings?

Yes

  1. Do you support non-citizens having the right to vote in municipal elections?

Yes

  1. The federal Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) grant has been criticized as stigmatizing, profiling and potentially surveilling immigrant communities. Would you oppose the city receiving CVE funding?

Yes

Mickey Moore

  1. In 2018, Minneapolis passed an ordinance establishing a Municipal ID program, which would increase access to identification to those who have difficulty obtaining one--immigrants of all statuses, the homeless, older adults, low income people, and transgender people. The program has not been implemented. What will you do to ensure that the Municipal ID program gets implemented?

As a point of public safety, inclusion and equality, the Municipal ID program must be implemented as soon as possible. No one should be left out of any process or opportunity, simply because they do not have adequate identification, when a remedy for that obstacle is so simple, inexpensive and readily available. It also reinforces our overall sense of community and enhances a greater cross-cultural understanding. Therefore, I will actively work to advocate for and secure the initiation of this program.

  1. In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in ICE targeting immigrants in public settings previously considered safe, such as courthouses. What will you do to stop the city from collaborating with ICE and ensure the safety of undocumented immigrants in Minneapolis?

Minneapolis has a long history of promoting very strong "separation" laws which fundamentally prohibit law enforcement and other court officers from even inquiring about immigration status when residents are seeking public services or resources. Minneapolis has some of the nations strongest "sanctuary city" laws, policies and ordinances, including non-binding resolutions like the "welcoming resolution" and the "know-your-ICE rights" cards, prominently displayed on all police handouts. As someone who has a decades long history of advocacy for immigrants communities, I will continue to support these policies, guidelines and laws and where needed, work to enhance, update and upgrade them.

  1. How will you use your position to empower residents who are undocumented or hold temporary status including DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), TPS (Temporary Protected Status) or DED (Deferred Enforced Departure)?

One of the first things I will do is open a local ward office. Fully-Staffed, and open everyday. This conveniently located office will allow residents to access city, county, state and federal resources and programs with no appointment. Staffed by local volunteers, agents from partnering non-profits, charities and other agencies from our own community who speak our languages, including paid city staff, people will be able to receive assistance and direction regarding all issues, including all the immigration and documentation issues mentioned above. (This will fundamentally change the way Ward 9 residents achieve their goals, and no other candidate can do this...)

  1. How will you use your position to increase opportunities for youth in immigrant and diaspora communities?

A cornerstone issue for our administration is increasing youth programming. Resources and access for athletics, academics, union apprenticeships, job training, higher education options, economic development, entrepreneurship, mentoring and many other program models that have a long history and a proven successful track record in Minneapolis and other cities, will be brought to bear upon our underserved and most at-risk communities. I believe in collaboratively partnering with effective organizations, nonprofit and foundations whose mission it is to target these disproportionately affected communities with programs and resources. I have already pledged to dedicate a substantial portion of the excessive city council salary to both donate to, and publicize the efforts of, local charities who are doing the work on the ground of improving young lives.

  1. How would you support the redevelopment of immigrant businesses harmed during the uprising?

Simply having access to federal, state, county and city resources and financing options is not enough. This is why my team and I have already begun working with dozens of businesses along Lake St. and around the 38th and Chicago Ave. intersection to personally assist them in acquiring the funds needed to help them restore their operations. We need to activate agents on the ground, who look for businesses to help, and functionally work with them to find appropriate programs, fill out forms, follow-up with the various agencies and departments that process these requests. As someone who has owned, operated and worked with immigrant-oriented businesses in Minneapolis for almost 30 years, I understand exactly what business owners need and how to work across the different agencies and departments to access the necessary programs, resources and financing that will change the future for these operations. We also need to provide a adequate public safety system and more effective policing so that employees, customers and property owners feel safe and are willing to invest in their own future success.

  1. Would you support increasing the amount of city resources to support vigorous enforcement of employment and labor laws focused on sectors of the economy with high violations which coincide in great part with industries that have a large number of immigrant workers: low-wage, day labor, and informal sector?

No

  1. Would you advocate in favor of strengthening tenants rights and protections in Minneapolis and to increase penalties on landlords who exclude, exploit or manipulate their tenants based on their immigration status?

Yes

  1. Would you support funding legal assistance to undocumented and low income immigrants involved in immigration-related legal proceedings?

No

  1. Do you support non-citizens having the right to vote in municipal elections?

Yes

  1. The federal Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) grant has been criticized as stigmatizing, profiling and potentially surveilling immigrant communities. Would you oppose the city receiving CVE funding?

No

Minneapolis City Council - Ward 10

Aisha Chughtai

  1. In 2018, Minneapolis passed an ordinance establishing a Municipal ID program, which would increase access to identification to those who have difficulty obtaining one--immigrants of all statuses, the homeless, older adults, low income people, and transgender people. The program has not been implemented. What will you do to ensure that the Municipal ID program gets implemented?

I will fight to take the next steps in the process of implementing this policy by making sure that it is a priority in the first budget cycle I am part of. I will also direct city staff to propose an implementation plan, one in which we’re consulting with the people who’ve been part of the driver’s license and Municipal ID fights for years, and centering those communities that most desperately need this. I will also fight to ensure that the program is not watered-down or made inaccessible in its implementation.

  1. In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in ICE targeting immigrants in public settings previously considered safe, such as courthouses. What will you do to stop the city from collaborating with ICE and ensure the safety of undocumented immigrants in Minneapolis?

We must strengthen Minneapolis’ immigration separation ordinance, the policy that makes us a “Sanctuary City” and prevents staff from inquiring about immigration status. They are not enough. Every city department must be given explicit protocols and guidelines for non-city agencies that operate in the city (Hennepin County, Met Council, etc).

When any city resource is used to assist in carrying out a deportation, the department head should be held publicly accountable. There must be consequences to any city departments or staff coordinating with ICE, Border Patrol, and any other agencies that seek to detain, deport, or harm our immigrant neighbors.

  1. How will you use your position to empower residents who are undocumented or hold temporary status including DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), TPS (Temporary Protected Status) or DED (Deferred Enforced Departure)?

Immigrants, particularly those with complicated or mixed documentation status, are particularly vulnerable to exploitation by employers, landlords, and police. The fights for housing justice, for workers’ rights, for true public safety, are all connected to the fight for justice for immigrants. People who are vulnerable due to their immigration status should not have to be exploited to survive in this economic system. I will be a champion for the policies that allow all of our most marginalized neighbors to live in stable housing, be paid what they deserve, and feel safe in their communities.

  1. How will you use your position to increase opportunities for youth in immigrant and diaspora communities?

Minneapolis makes money available directly to residents and community organizations through grants and RFPs, like the community art grant MIRAC just received. With this money flowing to the community, we have the opportunity to ensure that more of these grants prioritize and are more accessible to youth in immigrant and diaspora communities.

All those seeking grants should be required to show how they will engage with immigrant communities, and much more should go directly to members of immigrant and diaspora communities and organizations led by them. This must include removing barriers to applying and significantly increasing accessibility.

  1. How would you support the redevelopment of immigrant businesses harmed during the uprising?

As we rebuild Lake Street, we need to support and invest in the small, Black, brown, Indigenous, and immigrant-owned businesses that give Ward 10 its unique feel and provide access to wealth. We need to expand the office of the Small Business Navigator to be able to fully support these businesses, and we must ensure that those that need them most receive municipal grants and recovery funds to rebuild and to take over empty storefronts. We must also work to remove all linguistic, financial, cultural, and educational barriers immigrant-owned businesses face when seeking this funding.

  1. Would you support increasing the amount of city resources to support vigorous enforcement of employment and labor laws focused on sectors of the economy with high violations which coincide in great part with industries that have a large number of immigrant workers: low-wage, day labor, and informal sector?

Yes

  1. Would you advocate in favor of strengthening tenants rights and protections in Minneapolis and to increase penalties on landlords who exclude, exploit or manipulate their tenants based on their immigration status?

Yes

  1. Would you support funding legal assistance to undocumented and low income immigrants involved in immigration-related legal proceedings?

Yes

  1. Do you support non-citizens having the right to vote in municipal elections?

Yes

  1. The federal Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) grant has been criticized as stigmatizing, profiling and potentially surveilling immigrant communities. Would you oppose the city receiving CVE funding?

Yes

Alicia Gibson

  1. In 2018, Minneapolis passed an ordinance establishing a Municipal ID program, which would increase access to identification to those who have difficulty obtaining one--immigrants of all statuses, the homeless, older adults, low income people, and transgender people. The program has not been implemented. What will you do to ensure that the Municipal ID program gets implemented?

First, I will work to understand why there has been a hold up in implementing the law and what the city’s plan is for its implementation. If there is a serious concern (my early efforts to understand the hold-up have run into explanations about not being able to ensure immigrantion information is kept out of ICE hands with absolute certainty), I will work to remove the roadblock or mitigate it by working alongside our community advocates. If there is not a good reason why the ordinance has not been implemented I will ask the city attorney’s office to get involved and take the issue to court, if needed.

  1. In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in ICE targeting immigrants in public settings previously considered safe, such as courthouses. What will you do to stop the city from collaborating with ICE and ensure the safety of undocumented immigrants in Minneapolis?

Minneapolis has one of the strongest ordinances separating immigration status from city services in the country, and as a rule does not collaborate with ICE. The Minneapolis Sanctuary Ordinance (Ordinance 19) makes it clear that city employees are largely not to inquire about or pass along information about a person’s immigration status unless required to do so by law. I support this ordinance, and its full implementation.

  1. How will you use your position to empower residents who are undocumented or hold temporary status including DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), TPS (Temporary Protected Status) or DED (Deferred Enforced Departure)?

While there is little a city council member can do to affect these federal categories, I can ensure that as we create and implement city policies we take time to ensure these vulnerable communities are included in outreach and engagement. Strengthening meaningful engagement is one of the primary goals of my service as city council member. This means taking into account the vast diversity of all our communities before creating policies and plans that impact them. This currently does not happen. Immigrants may be approached about issues that directly affect immigrations issues, but we must do a much better job of not relying on surveys as the end-all be-all of city engagement, and we must be out in the community where people are. This is particularly true when empowering our most vulnerable communities who risk deportation by participating in city policy-making.

  1. How will you use your position to increase opportunities for youth in immigrant and diaspora communities?

I was raised in part by my grandmother (a Japanese immigrant), worked for the Lawyer’s Committee for Human Rights (now Human Rights Watch), and have experience representing clients in immigration court. Additionally, I have a great deal of experience working with diverse cultures and earned a PhD in comparative literature and cultural studies with dissertation work on the internment of Japanese Americans in American concentration camps. Understanding and advocating for immigrant and diaspora communities is not merely a passing interest, it is something I have dedicated large portions of my life to; and as a child of someone who faced a great deal of discrimination because of her ethnic heritage, it is personal. It will be my great pleasure and a source of joy to work with our immigrant and diaspora communities to increase opportunities for youth in every arena possible from arts to job employment by working with community organizations and the city’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs.

  1. How would you support the redevelopment of immigrant businesses harmed during the uprising?

$5 million dollars has been set aside by the mayor to provide forgivable loans that specifically would not be dependent on immigration status (unlike state and federal aid programs) for COVID recovery. I would also like to see us work to secure the federal funding that will be coming to help with COVID recovery to ensure it goes to these areas of our city that suffered damage in the uprisings, with similar funding structures that do not discriminate. As it relates specifically to funds for rebuilding after the uprising, as council member I will work closely to build public-private partnerships with those who have ongoing funding efforts. The Minneapolis Foundation has committed to raising $20 million to rebuild businesses along Lake St--many of which are immigrant owned--that were damaged as a result of the uprising, and this is in addition to $5.5 raised by the Lake St Council, a $30 million fund by Local Initiatives Support Corporation Twin Cities (LISC Twin Cities) to stabilize these areas, and other smaller efforts by neighborhood groups like the Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association (I served as board president during our Lake St rebuild fundraising that weighted funding to immigrant and POC businesses). Lastly, as a council member I can also ensure that we have adequate public safety in these areas as we rebuild because safety is key to bringing back customers, protecting from further damage, and is necessary to attract the capital and investment needed to cover the $550 million of damages that occurred.

  1. Would you support increasing the amount of city resources to support vigorous enforcement of employment and labor laws focused on sectors of the economy with high violations which coincide in great part with industries that have a large number of immigrant workers: low-wage, day labor, and informal sector?

Yes

  1. Would you advocate in favor of strengthening tenants rights and protections in Minneapolis and to increase penalties on landlords who exclude, exploit or manipulate their tenants based on their immigration status?

Yes

  1. Would you support funding legal assistance to undocumented and low income immigrants involved in immigration-related legal proceedings?

Yes

  1. Do you support non-citizens having the right to vote in municipal elections?

Yes

  1. The federal Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) grant has been criticized as stigmatizing, profiling and potentially surveilling immigrant communities. Would you oppose the city receiving CVE funding?

No

Katie Jones

  1. In 2018, Minneapolis passed an ordinance establishing a Municipal ID program, which would increase access to identification to those who have difficulty obtaining one--immigrants of all statuses, the homeless, older adults, low income people, and transgender people. The program has not been implemented. What will you do to ensure that the Municipal ID program gets implemented?

The program is currently not being implemented because the state of Minnesota does not designate municipal IDs as private data, which has raised privacy concerns at City Hall. I support Representative Aisha Gomez’ and Senator Scott Dibble’s legislation which would amend state law to classify Municipal ID as private data. From there, implementation will mean providing accessible education targeted towards communities who are least likely to have identification and ensuring that the IDs are available in locations along major public transportation lines and at low or no cost.

  1. In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in ICE targeting immigrants in public settings previously considered safe, such as courthouses. What will you do to stop the city from collaborating with ICE and ensure the safety of undocumented immigrants in Minneapolis?

There is no place for the brutal tactics of ICE in our community. I will never lend support to or allow city resources to be used in the inhumane, unjust immigration system that ICE enforces, and I will always oppose privately-owned prisons and detention centers in our city. All of our neighbors deserve to live in a city where they know they belong, and having immigration control agents stalk and harass members of our community is antithetical to that goal.

  1. How will you use your position to empower residents who are undocumented or hold temporary status including DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), TPS (Temporary Protected Status) or DED (Deferred Enforced Departure)?

All members of our community, no matter their legal status, deserve to live fruitful lives in Minneapolis. Undocumented neighbors or neighbors with temporary status should never be afraid of asking for help, especially when it comes to public safety. They should be confident that when they pick up the phone to call for help in an emergency, that their legal status will never be called into question just because they needed help. That is also true when reporting workplace rights violations, undocumented or temporary status workers should never fear facing retaliation because they stick up for themselves.

  1. How will you use your position to increase opportunities for youth in immigrant and diaspora communities?

We are at a critical juncture in the history of Minneapolis, one that calls for systemic change. Young people have been at the forefront of pushing progressive agendas around climate, public safety, racial equity, LGBTQ justice, and more. I have actively brought in young renters in particular to participate and have a voice in civic matters because I believe we will only realize a just, equitable, and sustainable city when young people are involved. I want to be a convener who opens the door to City Hall especially to immigrant, disabled, and low-income communities who have historically been shut out.

  1. How would you support the redevelopment of immigrant businesses harmed during the uprising?

The City must be a conduit, not a roadblock for businesses, especially those run by immigrant and BIPOC business owners. Minneapolis needs a small business advisory committee to streamline communication between business owners and the Small Business Office while collaborating on policies which incentivize owning a small business and creating jobs. I would also prioritize city-level training programs so that all businesses can hire effective workers and sustain paying liveable wages. In every measure the City takes to redevelop businesses, equity must be at the core so that resources are available to all people, not just the wealthy and well-connected.

  1. Would you support increasing the amount of city resources to support vigorous enforcement of employment and labor laws focused on sectors of the economy with high violations which coincide in great part with industries that have a large number of immigrant workers: low-wage, day labor, and informal sector?

Yes

  1. Would you advocate in favor of strengthening tenants rights and protections in Minneapolis and to increase penalties on landlords who exclude, exploit or manipulate their tenants based on their immigration status?

Yes

  1. Would you support funding legal assistance to undocumented and low income immigrants involved in immigration-related legal proceedings?

Yes

  1. Do you support non-citizens having the right to vote in municipal elections?

Yes

  1. The federal Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) grant has been criticized as stigmatizing, profiling and potentially surveilling immigrant communities. Would you oppose the city receiving CVE funding?

Yes

Minneapolis City Council - Ward 11

Jeremy Schroeder

  1. In 2018, Minneapolis passed an ordinance establishing a Municipal ID program, which would increase access to identification to those who have difficulty obtaining one--immigrants of all statuses, the homeless, older adults, low income people, and transgender people. The program has not been implemented. What will you do to ensure that the Municipal ID program gets implemented?

There were a few setbacks to the municipal ID program, particularly the fear that applicants would risk deportation from the federal government during the Trump administration. We have to make sure that applicants are protected (regardless of who is in office) and that their information is private so it cannot be used against them. Minneapolis is committed to municipal ID and I will push this with my counterparts on council while encouraging state representatives to take action on the state level.

  1. In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in ICE targeting immigrants in public settings previously considered safe, such as courthouses. What will you do to stop the city from collaborating with ICE and ensure the safety of undocumented immigrants in Minneapolis?

I will press for the implementation of municipal ID with the necessary protections and privacy. I will continue to use my influence to press Hennepin County sheriff and commissioners to stop cooperating with ICE to shield Minneapolis residents from deportation. I do not support any cooperation between MPD and ICE, especially the sharing of data that can be used to target immigrants. I will also urge my fellow councilmembers to put forward a city ordinance that prohibits ICE detention facilities and training centers within Minneapolis.

  1. How will you use your position to empower residents who are undocumented or hold temporary status including DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), TPS (Temporary Protected Status) or DED (Deferred Enforced Departure)?

I will continue my work to strengthen tenant rights and protections in the city, and to penalize landlords who exclude or exploit based on immigration status. I also strongly support enforcement of employment and labor laws focused on sectors of the economy with high violations.

  1. How will you use your position to increase opportunities for youth in immigrant and diaspora communities?

I was part of the creation of the first ever strategic and racial equity plan, which seeks to reduce involuntary displacement in rental housing, increase the number of Minneapolis-based businesses, and increase participation in high quality youth programs. This is the first time (and long overdue) the city has ever incorporated a racial equity framework in its strategic planning, with the primary goal of reducing and eliminating disparities.

  1. How would you support the redevelopment of immigrant businesses harmed during the uprising?

I have supported redevelopment of immigrant businesses harmed by the uprising in a number of ways. First and most importantly is supporting funding directly to the businesses. Second is to support the technical help they needed to access state and federal funding. And finally I supported funds for the art community to work with businesses to help honor the community’s response to the uprising and revitalize the neighborhoods the businesses reside in.

  1. Would you support increasing the amount of city resources to support vigorous enforcement of employment and labor laws focused on sectors of the economy with high violations which coincide in great part with industries that have a large number of immigrant workers: low-wage, day labor, and informal sector?

Yes

  1. Would you advocate in favor of strengthening tenants rights and protections in Minneapolis and to increase penalties on landlords who exclude, exploit or manipulate their tenants based on their immigration status?

Yes

  1. Would you support funding legal assistance to undocumented and low income immigrants involved in immigration-related legal proceedings?

Yes

  1. Do you support non-citizens having the right to vote in municipal elections?

Yes

  1. The federal Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) grant has been criticized as stigmatizing, profiling and potentially surveilling immigrant communities. Would you oppose the city receiving CVE funding?

Yes

Minneapolis City Council - Ward 12

Andrew Johnson

  1. In 2018, Minneapolis passed an ordinance establishing a Municipal ID program, which would increase access to identification to those who have difficulty obtaining one--immigrants of all statuses, the homeless, older adults, low income people, and transgender people. The program has not been implemented. What will you do to ensure that the Municipal ID program gets implemented?

We need the state data practices law changed so that the data is private rather than public. This is critical so that the program does not inadvertently become a way to target undocumented residents for reporting to ICE. I will continue to advocate for a change in this state law. Municipal IDs need to be treated like State IDs from a data standpoint so that ID holders are protected.

  1. In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in ICE targeting immigrants in public settings previously considered safe, such as courthouses. What will you do to stop the city from collaborating with ICE and ensure the safety of undocumented immigrants in Minneapolis?

We do not collaborate with ICE and I will continue to stand strongly against ICE targeting our residents.

  1. How will you use your position to empower residents who are undocumented or hold temporary status including DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), TPS (Temporary Protected Status) or DED (Deferred Enforced Departure)?

I will continue to pursue all actions, whether legal or through our Intergovernmental Relations Dept., to advocate for DACA, TPS, and DED.

  1. How will you use your position to increase opportunities for youth in immigrant and diaspora communities?

I continue to support increased funding for youth programming and internships.

  1. How would you support the redevelopment of immigrant businesses harmed during the uprising?

I have fought as Intergovernmental Relations Chair to secure funding for our immigrant-owned businesses who were harmed during the uprising. While we received funds from the State, it was short of what is needed and I will continue to advocate for more.

  1. Would you support increasing the amount of city resources to support vigorous enforcement of employment and labor laws focused on sectors of the economy with high violations which coincide in great part with industries that have a large number of immigrant workers: low-wage, day labor, and informal sector?

Yes

  1. Would you advocate in favor of strengthening tenants rights and protections in Minneapolis and to increase penalties on landlords who exclude, exploit or manipulate their tenants based on their immigration status?

Yes

  1. Would you support funding legal assistance to undocumented and low income immigrants involved in immigration-related legal proceedings?

Yes

  1. Do you support non-citizens having the right to vote in municipal elections?

Yes

  1. The federal Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) grant has been criticized as stigmatizing, profiling and potentially surveilling immigrant communities. Would you oppose the city receiving CVE funding?

Yes

Minneapolis City Council - Ward 13

Linea Palmisano

  1. In 2018, Minneapolis passed an ordinance establishing a Municipal ID program, which would increase access to identification to those who have difficulty obtaining one--immigrants of all statuses, the homeless, older adults, low income people, and transgender people. The program has not been implemented. What will you do to ensure that the Municipal ID program gets implemented?

I supported and voted to establish this important program. We must see it to fruition. Our barrier is this: the City would not legally be able to protect the info coming into the city so we would be creating a database of people in our city that could be used in negative ways. We must first change the state data practices laws so that it would protect this data. I could work with colleagues to bring this through the Minnesota League of Cities or the Data Practices Committee at the state level.

  1. In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in ICE targeting immigrants in public settings previously considered safe, such as courthouses. What will you do to stop the city from collaborating with ICE and ensure the safety of undocumented immigrants in Minneapolis?

Historically, Minneapolis has asserted that our police do not play any enforcement role with ICE. This past term, we installed placards for those in police custody that clearly remind those arrested that they do not have to divulge any citizenship information.

Through our Office of Immigration and Refugee Affairs, we can share ways to reduce harm. Since jail is a deportation point, we must work with the county on this jurisdictional issue because city rules don’t apply. We can build the capacity of our OIRA to assist with large-scale immigration reform to help protect those most quickly in deportation proceedings.

  1. How will you use your position to empower residents who are undocumented or hold temporary status including DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), TPS (Temporary Protected Status) or DED (Deferred Enforced Departure)?

I will build on my strong record of allyship started when beginning NAVIGATE, the non-profit that began to help empower undocumented Minneapolis students to further their education and/or get into job training programs. Creating more channels into our local workforce helps our immigrant communities to thrive.

Many low-income residents have benefited from my work to pass the $15 minimum wage, local wage theft laws. Many undocumented community members are interested in the urban farm initiative in East Phillips neighborhood which I now support. I will build on this empowerment and also work on direct connections into our Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs at City Hall.

  1. How will you use your position to increase opportunities for youth in immigrant and diaspora communities?

Recently on the City Council I supported a $1M allocation to the Youth Coordinating Board, that will go strictly to youth-serving organizations. We should amend the existing programs to help us get this funding deeper into immigrant/displaced and refugee communities. I want to ensure the programs we have like Step-Up and Project Success create opportunities for ALL students independent of visa status.

I supported the establishment of the OIRA office and its recommendations about how to prepare for federal Immigration Reform. Our community will need support in navigating these changes as soon as it passes. We must keep families stable and together through immigration status changes.

  1. How would you support the redevelopment of immigrant businesses harmed during the uprising?

I led the Rebuild Resilient city budget efforts to help rebuild businesses that were impacted by civil unrest in 2020 and to do so in a more environmentally beneficial way. These changes will save business owners $1.5M each year in energy costs, and it benefits 200 BIPOC and immigrant-owned businesses.

I supported and voted for Cultural Districts, and we have dedicated cleanup, redevelopment and beautification efforts for these areas. I will continue to work with the groups like Lake Street Council and I recognize that the redevelopment will take time. This will take 5-10 years and I promise to be consistent and continue to show up.

  1. Would you support increasing the amount of city resources to support vigorous enforcement of employment and labor laws focused on sectors of the economy with high violations which coincide in great part with industries that have a large number of immigrant workers: low-wage, day labor, and informal sector?

Yes

  1. Would you advocate in favor of strengthening tenants rights and protections in Minneapolis and to increase penalties on landlords who exclude, exploit or manipulate their tenants based on their immigration status?

Yes

  1. Would you support funding legal assistance to undocumented and low income immigrants involved in immigration-related legal proceedings?

Yes

  1. Do you support non-citizens having the right to vote in municipal elections?

Yes

  1. The federal Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) grant has been criticized as stigmatizing, profiling and potentially surveilling immigrant communities. Would you oppose the city receiving CVE funding?

Yes