ICE Situation Update from 826 MSP
828 MSP Update: Fear in Our Neighborhood, Resilience in Our Students
Dear Supporters,
The last few months have been unprecedented for our students, families, and staff. South Minneapolis has become a focal point of intensified federal immigration enforcement operations that have deeply affected everyday life in our neighborhoods, schools, and at 826 MSP. These actions have included highly visible deployments of masked law enforcement, aggressive arrests, and high-profile incidents that have shaken our community’s sense of safety.
For many families we serve – whether undocumented, seeking asylum, refugees, or U.S. citizens – the presence of a large federal force has been intimidating and traumatizing. Some families have experienced violent arrests and detentions. Others, even with legal status, have felt targeted by profiling and fear showing their faces in public. Many families are choosing to stay indoors to protect their children, afraid to go to school, attend programs, or visit community spaces. These fears are real and pervasive.
At 826 MSP, supporting safety is our first priority. We have been keeping in close contact with impacted families, helping them assess risk and find the best ways to access learning safely. Where possible, we are exploring virtual options and flexible supports to ensure continuity for students who cannot physically come to the center.
Still, some families have chosen to bring their children to our space. They shared that the disruptions caused by the pandemic severely set back their children’s learning and worsened their mental health, and they do not want a repeat of that experience. Their commitment to their children’s education and creative growth, even in the face of fear and risk, is a powerful example of courage and resilience. That is why we have kept our doors open for those who choose to attend.
Unfortunately, the climate of fear has had a measurable impact on our programs. Attendance in our Afterschool Writing Lab has declined steeply, as families stay home for safety. Our Story Writing and Bookmaking Field Trip saw more than 50 percent cancellations, and our Young Authors Book Project has faced similar challenges, leading us to expand virtual programming with the help of our educator partners.
Despite these challenges, 826 MSP remains committed to serving young writers and families through trauma, disruption, and uncertainty. Your support matters more now than ever as we adapt our programs to meet families where they are and uphold access to learning and creative expression.
Thank you for standing with our community during these difficult times.
In Solidarity,
Dr. Jamal Adam
Executive Director, 826 MSP
826 MSP Receives Vital Support from State and Community Partners
Thanks to MSAB!
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Thanks to Youthprise!
The State of Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) funded (in whole or in part) this workforce development product (training, event, curricula, etc.) through a grant. The grant recipient created this product. DEED does not endorse this product or make guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability or ownership of the information herein or elsewhere.