NOTE: As I was writing this post Wednesday morning, unbeknownst to me, tragedy was unfolding 40 miles away in south Minneapolis. An ICE agent shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, a Minneapolis resident. That is a fact. She was, according to a Minnesota state senator, a legal observer of federal actions. I decided to publish this post as written before learning of Renee’s death. No rewriting or editing. Right now my emotions are raw. I am outraged. I offer no apologies for my feelings.
WITH THE FEDERAL FOCUS on uncovering fraud and on heavy immigration enforcement in Minnesota right now, I’m feeling defensive. I understand that fraud is unacceptable. I, too, have concerns about the seemingly high amount of fraud in my home state. But I will say this. I feel like Minnesota is being unfairly and aggressively targeted on both the fraud and immigration enforcement fronts.
This seems more a personal vendetta by the President against our state than anything. He’s targeted our governor and our Somali community. And I’m not OK with that. Not the actions, not the rhetoric.
THE GOODNESS OF MINNESOTANS
But rather than turn this into a political rant, I want to tell you this: We in Minnesota are, for the most part, good, kind, decent people. The term “Minnesota Nice” is a moniker tagged to those of us who call this place home. It fits. We may live in a cold and snowy state, but we are not cold.
Our generosity shines in strong volunteerism, in supporting others. It also shines in an abundance of nonprofits that assist those in need. For example, one organization is currently heading up a workforce and emergency housing development project in Faribault. Within blocks of my home, I see those buildings rising. An all-volunteer local bookshop sells used books donated by community members. Profits go to the Rice County Area United Way. Local churches house food shelves. Local shelters and centers help those dealing with domestic abuse and violence and substance abuse. The list goes on and on of organizations dedicated to helping those in need.
On a personal level, I know a friend who has taken a man experiencing homelessness out to eat several times. Another friend gave her mittens to an unsheltered man. Two others paid for a bus ticket to Iowa for an individual without a home, per his request to return there. Another is assisting our immigrants as a trained Constitutional observer. These are small acts of kindness and care that go unnoticed, yet are happening throughout my community.
AND THEN COMES ICE
As all of these good things are occurring in Minnesota, so is the negative. And right now that is massive ICE enforcement efforts, including in Faribault with its large Somali and Latino populations. Imagine if you were of either ethnicity, how fearful you would feel. You could be stopped simply because of your skin color, your dress, your spoken language. Grab, detain and ask questions later seems to be the mode of operation for ICE.
Clearly I have sidetracked here. But I offer no apologies for feeling as I do about aggressive ICE actions with agents wrongfully detaining people. I take issue also with elected officials who fail to do anything about this, who fail to protect Constitutional rights, who think this is alright.
ICE OUT
In closing, I want to reiterate that I love Minnesota (except when winter gets too long). This is a wonderful place to live with its diverse geography, its natural beauty, its diverse residents, its strong arts community, its caring people…
I appreciate the many immigrants who have chosen to call Minnesota home. They make our communities stronger and better in endless ways. Just like my German ancestors who sailed across the Atlantic to America, eventually settling in Minnesota. I hope our newest residents in “The Land of 10,000 Lakes” find a welcoming place to establish roots, to grow a life.
Eventually they may even understand our Minnesota excitement over ice out after a long, cold winter.
© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I feel your love for your state and support your outrage. What is happening is beyond the pale. And belongs out there beyond the pale. So so hard these times are.
Thank you, Cecilia, for standing in solidarity with Minnesota following the tragic killing of Renee Good. I am heartbroken, angry, sad, frustrated and so much more.
I was so horrified by the news of the shooting. I couldn’t even believe what I saw!! I am just overwhelmed with sadness, disgust, frustration… I can’t believe this is how things are.
I hear you, dear Rose. And I feel the same. This shooting is beyond horrible.
thank you for reminding people of the good people (all of them) of Minnesota. your state is definitely being targeted by the feds and it must be very hard just to try to live your lives with any sense of normalcy in these times. after what happened today, I too was stricken, with the tragic murder of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in your state. I know this could have happened in any state, but the chaos was intentional and especially targeted. It is horrifying and emotional and there needs to be a national response to this. our hearts go out to all of you.
Thank you for standing in solidarity with Minnesota, for your kind, loving and supportive words. This means a lot to me. Yes, Minnesota is being targeted, just like many other cities have been. When will this all end?
Minneapolis public schools are closed today due to ICE agents coming onto school property, specifically Roosevelt High yesterday afternoon. It’s reprehensible that they would take their violence and aggression to a place of learning in full view of students, staff, parents and others. This happened at afternoon dismissal. Here’s a link to a story about this situation posted on Minnesota Public Radio: https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/01/08/after-border-patrol-clash-at-roosevelt-minneapolis-schools-cancel-classes
thank you for sharing this and it is awful that this has to be. I just cannot accept it. I see there is a protest with people facing off with ice at the federal building in Minneapolis today and I’m hoping that it does not escalate. I’m going to be on a national indivisible meeting tonight as we plan a national response. tomorrow night we are organizing a silent candlelight vigil to remember Renee here in Ann Arbor. Yes, the kind words from a stranger yesterday, reminded me of the goodness in the world. I have been working with an immigrant rights group in our country to protect and support them and to document ICE presence and warn vulnerable in the area. we will have to be extra careful as we move ahead. our local police and sheriffs have agreed months ago not to support them and will help us as needed, but situations can escalate quickly-
Thanks for being part of this national Indivisible effort. I fully expect that group will organize something in my area, although not in my community. Mine is a “red” city. That should not matter, though, given the killing of Renee at the hands of an ICE agent.
I saw coverage earlier this morning at the Henry Whipple federal building protest. It started peacefully and remained mostly so. But ICE did form a solid line of hundreds of agents blocking protesters. They discharged chemical irritants. People are angry and rightly so. How can you not be? But as our governor said, we can’t let the feds “bait” us and allow violence to become part of our protests. Interestingly enough the Bishop building is named after Bishop Henry Whipple, who was based right here in my community in the 1800s. He was a kind, compassionate and caring man of faith who befriended the Dakota. He would be appalled that ICE is stationed in a building honoring him. He would not support their actions in any way, shape or form.
Be careful out there, Beth. And thank you for observing and helping our immigrants. My power right now is in my words.
Don’t apologize, Audrey, for speaking truth to power. I think the emotions of any one who cares about decency and democracy should be raw at this point. First a blatant act of imperialism in Venezuela and then the murder of a U.S. citizen by masked thugs (who are now calling the victim a “domestic terrorist” as if this verbiage justifies this killing). Sadly, very sadly, the “happy” in Happy New Year only lasted for 48 hours. 🥹
Thank you for adding your thoughts on this. And, yes, I care deeply about decency and democracy, just like you. I was appalled by the DHS secretary calling the victim a “domestic terrorist.” And those who stormed the US capital five years ago were not?
I think the entire Midwest is known for their “niceness” and that’s a very good moniker to have. I believe that should be the norm and not the exception as I am sure you feel. Small acts such as you mentioned are just normal responses. Or they should be. Sadly the temperature of the country is contrary to that in many cases and that is something to grieve. Keep the hope going, Audrey.
I’m trying to keep the hope going, my friend. Right now we are doing the best we can in Minnesota in the light of everything.
Audrey, what a kind, sane, thoughtful post. There is not much I can say in the face of the the continuing evil except to hope that Minnesotans who might have supported the tyrants awaken and become the allies of kindness.
Michael, I hope, too, that ALL Minnesotans, ALL Americans, will awaken, recognize the tyranny and move onward with that which is best for this country, this democracy, our people. Thank you for caring and for your advocacy.
You may have already seen this but I included a link to your post in my post this morning.
Thank you for linking. I just read your post and deeply appreciate your support. You are so kind, caring and compassionate.
Thank you, Audrey. I try to be but am of course inconsistent. LOL!
Somewhere in the comments someone suggested maybe this incident might be a wake up call…I wonder? This is crazy that the administration is getting away with this blatant lie, and as we can see what happened on camera. How can this be? I’m at a loss for words.
I hear ya, Valerie. I don’t understand either.