MADISON, WI — Yesterday, Senator Melissa Ratcliff (D-Cottage Grove), joined state lawmakers from Wisconsin and across the country in Minnesota for the Day of Solidarity to show unified support for Minnesota communities and demand meaningful accountability and reform following recent federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.
In a historic show of interstate unity, the event brought together more than 40 state legislators from 13 states gathered at the Minnesota Capitol to emphasize shared concerns about federal immigration enforcement actions that have sparked widespread protests, solidarity actions, and calls for change. Thousands of Minnesotans participated in demonstrations, including large marches and community-led actions, in response to controversial operations and fatal shootings involving ICE agents that have raised civil liberties questions and community safety concerns.
“Wisconsin and Minnesota share strong cultural, economic, and community ties,” Senator Ratcliff stated. “Events of the past weeks including peaceful protests, economic solidarity actions, and calls for justice, show how deeply communities value dignity, fairness, and safety for all residents. I stand with my colleagues in urging accountability, transparency, and respect for constitutional rights.”
Over 100 lawmakers participated by attending in person and joining virtually during the Day of Solidarity in Minnesota, which included a Minnesota Senate Select Subcommittee hearing of residents and organizations sharing personal stories on how they have been impacted by recent ICE activity, a Capitol press conference, a national press call with lawmakers from across the country, and site visits to impacted neighborhoods, schools, and businesses.
Also, over 600 state legislators from over 47 states have now signed onto a national letter standing with the people of Minnesota. The letter demands that ICE and Border Patrol leave Minnesota immediately and calls for a full, independent investigation into the deaths of anyone killed by ICE.
“This represents one of the broadest state-level solidarity actions in modern history,” Senator Ratcliff stated. “And it will take all of us coming together not only in our respective states, but, also across state lines, to defend fundamental freedoms and community well-being,”
Lawmakers across the nation are preparing to introduce 85 bills aimed at regulating federal immigration enforcement and imposing new accountability standards. These measures focus on mandatory coordination with local law enforcement, transparency requirements, protections for constitutional rights, and consequences when federal agencies act without oversight.
