Community ICE response efforts continue

Community crisis response efforts continue
By Jake Spitzack & Tim Spitzack | April 2026

Several organizations have awarded funds in recent weeks to people and businesses impacted by “Operation Metro Surge” by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. Fundraising efforts continue and community groups such as Parent Teacher organizations have also been providing meal distributions and other assistance.

The West Side Community Organization (WSCO) is awarding rent support grants to families affected by WSCO launched its rental assistance fund in January and more than $170,000 has been raised as of press time. Residents of the West Side may apply to receive a grant to cover one or two months of rent. The fundraiser is ongoing and funds are being awarded regularly. To donate, contact secure.givelively.org/donate/west-side-citizens-organization/west-side-rent-assistance.

Neighborhood House continues to partner with El Burrito Mercado to raise food and funds for its Emergency Food Relief program. People are encouraged to buy gift cards at El Burrito that will be given to Neighborhood House to purchase culturally relevant foods or purchase non-perishable food and place it inside the collection box at El Burrito Mercado, 175 Cesear Chavez St., St. Paul. For more details, visit neighborhoodhousemn.org/community-crisis-response.

The Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) is fundraising through April to help Latino-owned businesses in the Twin Cities who lost revenue due to ICE activity. Donations are prioritized for businesses with limited access to capital,
including mom-and-pop shops and businesses at risk of closure. As of press time, more than 125 grantees have received support, totaling $589,500. To donate to the Latino Emergency Small Business Relief Fund, visit gofundme.com/f/support-latinoowned-businesses-in-minnesota.

The Latino Community Foundation has also raised more than $500,000 for its new national Community Protection Fund to support grassroots Latino- and immigrant-serving organizations. The fund will support rapid response systems, legal advocacy, monitoring of ICE enforcement activity, policy and oversight work, and direct support for affected families. Locally, the Latino Economic Development Center and Latino Communities United in Service (CLUES), both based in St. Paul, each received $25,000, and Comunidades Organizando el Poder y la Acción Latina (COPAL) in Minnepolis received $75,000.

Ramsey County is offering temporary tax relief to residents impacted by Operation Metro Surge by implementing a temporary two-month property tax payment extension for first half 2026 property tax payments. Eligible property owners can pay their property taxes up to two months past the typical deadline without facing late payment penalties. For more information, visit ramseycountymn.gov and search property tax resources.