Native Land Pod Hosts Town Hall in North Minneapolis Amid Federal Surge

On Jan. 27, community members from around the Twin Cities joined Native Land Pod’s live town hall at The Capri Theater in North Minneapolis. The political podcast, which centers Black communities, held four panels featuring elected officials, journalists, organizers, and community members. The event included remarks from Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison as well as audience participation.

Hosted by Angela Rye, Bakari Sellers and Andrew Gillum, the evening featured discussions on organizing, religion, immigration, legal processes and policy. Gillum said the space was provided for residents in need of support, those looking for encouragement, and people who wanted to share their experiences.

Several speakers discussed the reality of Operation Metro Surge in the state. Independent journalist Georgia Fort said she sees both struggle and resistance. “What’s the other side of the truth? A lie. That’s problematic. And then it becomes divisive because everything is ‘us’ and ‘them,’” she said. 

“Some stories are nuanced; some stories have seven, eight, nine sides, not just two …What we’re experiencing right now should be a code red for America,” she said.

Juan Proaño, CEO of the League of United Latin American Citizens, said his organization works to return people home after deportation. “Our community is in fear. They are staying home at night, not going out during the day, and their children are missing school. That’s why the community aspect is so important … This is the fight for our generation, and it will define who we are.”

Sellers highlighted a disconnect that occurs between Black and brown communities when people remain silent about each other’s struggles. “When you’re quiet when they come for them and then you’re quiet when they come for you, when they come for you you’ll look around and nobody’s going to be there to help,” he said. He and Proaño discussed the importance of marching for one another’s fights and taking accountability for past mistakes.

Sen. Zaynab Mohamed shared her experience as a Somali resident who arrived in the state at age 9. She said the Somali community is woven into the state’s fabric, evident from the airport to local nursing homes, and that Minnesotans have shown solidarity for their Somali neighbors.

Wintana Melekin, executive director of Groundwork Institute and Groundwork Action, described ongoing struggles with her family’s immigration issues while continuing to organize and develop trainings. “There is no strategy, no theory. They are just picking up our community members and making them disappear.” Melekin urged community members to pressure elected officials to push ICE out of Minnesota.

She acknowledged the historical role of Black Americans in shaping the rights that allow immigrant participation today. “The only reason I have the right to work in the United States is because of Black Americans,” she said.

Rep. Cedrick Frazier shared a story about his daughter whose friend no longer rides the school bus out of fear of ICE detainment. “They are creating future leaders who know what not to do when making policy,” he said. “They’re going to know how to be proactive in taking care of their neighbors.”

Attorney Leslie Redmond reflected on parallels between current ICE actions and past injustices, including the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. “Just because something is legal does not mean it is ethically correct, and that is where civil disobedience has to rise,” she said. 

She also referenced Renee Good, who was killed while sitting in her car, drawing parallels to Philando Castile. “They didn’t hear us and they didn’t feel us … the Black community, we’ve been warning. We’ve been prophesying, right? Telling them what will happen if something doesn’t change. And sadly we’re here.”

Attorney General Ellison stressed the importance of protesting during his address and discussed the state’s legal response to Operation Metro Surge, including filing a lawsuit. “This blanket of attack is certainly not normal, not justified, and it’s not legal,” he said. 

“At the end of the day, I believe we are going to prevail because we’re right and what we’re doing is just. We’re not here to back down.” Ellison said there is no legal barrier for a state prosecutor to charge a federal agent. 

Elizer Darris, co-executive director of the Minnesota Freedom Fund, said community members are the resource needed for change. “We have to do something, or something’s going to happen to us,” he said.

Rye said the podcast did not come to Minneapolis for content, but to support the community. “Designed to move audiences from awareness to action, Native Land Pod LIVE reinforces a core belief: media should not only inform … it should equip, mobilize, and materially support the people,” the event’s press release said. 

Native Land partnered with State of the People to deliver tangible support and mutual aid for Minneapolis residents, including free legal support, fundraising for the Minnesota Freedom Fund, and grocery and hygiene kits. Micro-grants were also awarded to a handful of small businesses.

Attendees said the unfiltered conversations were much needed. Chuck Smith of Minneapolis said, “I think it was something that the community really needed to touch base on.”

Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, emphasized that institutions are only as strong as the people who populate them. “The real question is: Are Black people ready for this moment? Our institutions are as strong as we populate them and give them strength,” he said.

Redmond said her faith helps her continue to fight for justice. “My conviction comes from knowing that I owe something to future generations that owe something to our ancestors, and I’m determined to be who God meant for me to be,” she said.

Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan said changes in city leadership will not address ongoing threats. “We can catch our breath for a moment, but be real, we’ve already seen footage of people being violently pulled from their vehicles … so it is not over,” she said.

Damenica is a freelance journalist and contributing writer for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder