UUSC Solidarity with Protests of ICE Militarization and Brutality

UUSC and our partners have been confronting the rise of authoritarian regimes and the tactics used to erode civil society around the world for decades. Now is a particularly heart-wrenching time as the federal occupation of the Twin Cities continues to escalate, threatening everyone’s rights.

As we witness brutal assaults by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agents, we also see the remarkable power of community coming together to protect their neighbors. The people of Minneapolis and St. Paul are showing the rest of the country what is possible when people show up with kindness, grace, imagination, and no small amount of righteous anger. Many Unitarian Universalist and other faith leaders traveled to Minneapolis to witness and engage in solidarity actions — a reminder for the world of our faith in human dignity and each other.

The militarization on our streets and attacks in our communities have resulted in immense harm and loss of life, including Renee Good, Alex Pretti, and 32 people who have died while in ICE custody this past year. The increased federal presence in cities across the United States intends to foment violence and fear. We will not cower to this fear.

From Minnesota to Ukraine, Burma, Kiribati, Haiti, Honduras, and beyond, UUSC will continue to join with justice-seekers and community builders the world over. We know our struggles are interconnected. The time for global solidarity for human rights has never been more urgent.

Thank you for all the ways you are drawing the circle wide in who you count as your neighbor. Together, we will continue to offer solace, advocacy, and hope for one another.