Living in Southeast Minnesota, it's become increasingly clear that our community's sentiments often get blurred with those of Minneapolis. But we are not Minneapolis. We are Minnesotans who have our own voices and our own community needs that are vitally important. We need to stand up and show our thoughts profoundly, especially on matters that deal with the safety and security in our region.

Our community believes it’s crucial to maintain law and order without overlooking illegal criminal activities. ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) plays a significant role in addressing such crimes, especially those involving illegal activities by individuals in our country unlawfully. It's about ensuring that Southeast Minnesota remains a safe place for all law-abiding citizens to thrive.

In the broader political climate, where leaders like Mayor Frey and Governor Walz project policies that do not necessarily align with our views, it's essential to make our stance known. We cannot have a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to law enforcement and public safety. We need policies that are tailored to the unique circumstances and needs of our region. Collateral arrests by ICE should be supported as they can help prevent further illegal activities by disrupting networks and by apprehending individuals who may pose a threat.

Statistics support the necessity of such enforcement measures. For instance, ICE operations have often led to the arrest of individuals involved in crimes beyond just immigration offenses, thus protecting our communities. Implementing strong support for ICE can reinforce our fight against illegal criminal operations and contribute to the safety of our residents.

We stand by our law enforcement officers who work tirelessly to keep our neighborhoods safe. We need to assure them that their efforts are appreciated and supported by the community they serve. We need to express that we are behind initiatives that crack down on illegal criminal activities, not only for our peace and safety but for the prosperity of Southeast Minnesota.

Please sign this petition to make it known that in Southeast Minnesota, we support ICE and efforts to clean up illegal criminal activities, and that our community's voice is crucially important. Together, we can show that Minnesotans in this region matter and that our safety and security are non-negotiable. Let’s unite and make a difference for our community today.