To our partners and friends,

The Public Health Law Center will be closed on Friday, January 23, for a Day of Truth & Freedom. As the cruel and unlawful ICE occupation of our home base of the Twin Cities drags on, faith leaders, labor unions, and many organizations have called for participation in this “statewide day of non-violent moral action, reflection: no work, no school, no shopping — only community, conscience, and collective action.” We stand in solidarity with each other and our community.

The current attack on immigrants and every person of color, both directly and indirectly, is offensive on its face and harmful to public health. When people are living in fear of violence and detention from their own government, they are less able to access necessary medical care, earn a living, attend school, and provide healthy food for their families. The violent presence of the 3,000 federal agents who have descended on Minnesota and other parts of the country harms individual health, community well-being, and the integrity of our governance and legal infrastructure.

Wherever you live, we invite you to stand with us and our neighbors. If you are able, opportunities to support your neighbors are available, including many you can contribute to from afar.

Thank you for supporting us and each other. We will get through this together.

Joelle Lester, Executive Director
January 22, 2026