October 2026

MINNESOTA
MEETING

Of the People: The Surge & What's Next
gradient-blue-final
Video

When federal immigration enforcement surged, Minnesotans stepped up. Although unjust ICE operations continue, the people revealed our civic strength: Minnesotans are deeply rooted to each other and ready to act when it matters. At this event, we reflected on what happened last winter, what it reveals, and what it can mean for other communities under pressure.

Of the People

Minnesotans showed the world that “of the people, by the people, for the people” is not just a phrase from America’s past—it’s a promise we can choose to keep. Throughout the day, speakers reflected on that promise and how we can move forward together.

Shot of the stage and the crowd at the 2026 Minnesota Meeting

R.T. Rybak on stage with a microphone
“The biggest question I want us to ask is, 'What can a unified Minnesota do?' We have proven to the world that—more than any other community on the globe—we knew when to stand up and we knew how to come together. Imagine what we can do together.”
–R.T. Rybak
President & CEO, Minneapolis Foundation
Watch R.T.'s Opening Remarks
Bao Phil performing onstage
“Because when the bad men with masks came, you put together homemade salads in a bag, hotdish, build-your-own-vegetarian-taco kits, pho broth, sambusas, dropped them off for neighbors you don't even know. Because when they brought out the guns, you brought out the giant papier-mâché puppets of bears and owls, while plaster dinosaur statues watched from the yard. And when some said, 'Just comply,' you used your protest signs to sled screaming with glee down the hills of Powderhorn Park. ”
–Bao Phi
Poet
Watch Bao's performance
Francisco Segovia talking to the camera
“When you see an injustice and you don't do anything, you are basically agreeing with that injustice... Minnesotans were not willing to do that. ”
–Francisco Segovia
Executive Director, COPAL

The the Signal app became a lifeline for rapid mutual aid in Minnesota. Hear from community members about how it was used during the Surge.
Watch
Verónica Cadavid González speaking onstage
“Maybe you witnessed something. Maybe you helped a neighbor or supported a family, donated money, were there for someone who needed it. Your story matters. Because when hundreds and thousands of individual stories are brought together, they become more than memories. They become our public record.”
–Verónica Cadavid González
Policy Counsel, The Advocates for Human Rights
Watch Verónica's remarks
Justin Lall onstage with a Love and Protect sign behind him.
The People's Role in American Democracy

The Democracy for All Project, a partnership between the Charles F. Kettering Foundation and Gallup, is the most extensive annual study of how Americans experience and participate in democracy. Its 2026 report draws on survey data from over 20,000 U.S. adults to examine public perceptions of inclusion, fairness, opportunity, and the role of citizens in shaping the nation. At our event, Justin Lall from Gallup provided a broader context in which to place Minnesota’s story and include up-to-date research on public attitudes about our democracy.

Watch Justin's presentation

How Systems Responded

Throughout the day, panels of civic leaders in the judicial system, philanthropy, and the press discussed the surge, how it affected their work and the Minnesotans they serve, and how we can prepare ourselves for the future.

Watch Panel Conversations

video

The Immigration Justice Gap

Operation Metro Surge exposed deep fault lines in our immigration justice system. This discussion examined the gaps it laid bare, how legal aid organizations responded, and what we can do to create a more just and accountable system.

Watch Video

video

Stories from the Immigrant Rapid Response Fund

The Immigrant Rapid Response Fund, housed at the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota, offers a powerful example of how philanthropy responded to the surge with urgency and trust, providing nonprofits with resources to help families access housing, food, and other critical needs.

Watch Video

video

The Press & Democracy-Affirming Coverage

Operation Metro Surge unfolded across a rapidly changing media landscape, with traditional news organizations, community publications, independent creators, and residents documenting events from different perspectives in real time.

Watch Video
Explore video playlist
Jo-Anne Stately and Kate Beane onstage
Laura Carlson speaking onstage
Thank You to Our Sponsor

We are grateful to the Kettering Foundation for sponsoring the 2026 Minnesota Meeting. At the event, Kettering’s Laura Carlson shared that the people of the Twin Cities are one of this year’s recipients of the Kettering Democracy Prize. This cash award will be donated to the Minneapolis Foundation’s OneMPLS Fund, which met urgent needs during and after Operation Metro Surge.

Watch Laura's presentation