Minnesota Democratic Rep. Xp Lee is using his taxpayer-funded email account to share resources for illegal immigrants who may encounter Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.
In a Dec. 17 email, Lee wrote, “Like many of you, I’m disgusted at the actions of ICE here in our area. Innocent and lawful neighbors across our state are now living in fear of targeted, intentional, and racially profiled violence that makes us all less safe.
“Donald Trump has also used his platform of the presidency to unleash unhinged hatred towards members of our beloved Somali community. Because he does not have any ideas on how to solve the affordability issues plaguing our country that his own policies created, he can only try to distract from them by trying to pit us against one another,” added Lee, who represents District 34B in the Minnesota House.
“Once again, his actions have no basis in reality or facts. The vast majority of Somali Minnesotans are citizens or permanent residents; his demands will not accomplish his cruel and senseless goal. But once again, his words will inflame tensions, fuel racism, and endanger lives.”
Lee then advised those “affected by the ICE presence” to follow guidance from the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota.
“No matter who is president, everyone living in the United States has basic rights under the US Constitution. Undocumented immigrants have these rights, too. It is important to know your rights so you know when and how to assert them,” the document says, listing advice such as “do not open your door” and “do not answer any questions.”
He added that people who observe federal activity can call a MONARCA rapid response hotline, and he offered “some resources on immigration and your rights compiled by our Senate DFL colleagues.”
ICE increased its enforcement efforts in Minnesota earlier this month amid national scrutiny of the state’s fraud crisis, much of which has been perpetrated by the Somali community. As of Dec. 12, ICE said it had arrested more than 400 illegal aliens as part of its “Operation Metro Surge” in the Twin Cities.
A West St. Paul man was recently charged with misdemeanor obstruction and assault after he allegedly followed ICE agents and pulled a gun on them.
