Minneapolis: The Human Cost of ICE & the Power of Community Resistance

After the enforcement surge in Minneapolis earlier this year, communities were living through a reality that headlines and social media couldn’t fully capture: families in fear, businesses shutting down, and neighborhoods forced into survival mode.

In this episode of Fritanga, Minneapolis community leaders - Henry Jiménez, Carolina Ortiz, and Rev. Hierald Osorto - share what they witnessed on the ground, how their communities responded in real time, and the long-term ramifications of a moment that reshaped how entire communities live, work, and move through their daily lives. From disruption and fear to solidarity and collective action, we discuss both the human cost and the strength that emerged in response.

ABOUT OUR GUESTS:
Carolina Ortiz – Associate Executive Director, COPAL, brings over seven years of experience with COPAL, where she has led communications and environmental justice work and now guides development efforts. Through coalition building, policy advocacy, and strategic storytelling, she works to uplift the voices of Latin American communities and drive meaningful change that improves their quality of life.

Rev. Hierald Osorto, Lead Pastor, St. Paul’s–San Pablo Lutheran Church, a bilingual Reconciling in Christ congregation in South Minneapolis. He is a former teaching fellow at the Leadership Center for Social Justice at United Theological Seminary and previously served as Executive Director for Student Equity & Belonging at Ithaca College. His work centers on faith, justice, and building communities rooted in dignity and belonging.

Henry Jiménez – President & CEO, Propel Nonprofits, a Community Development Financial Institution that provides nonprofits with access to capital and capacity-building services. A longtime advocate for Latino and immigrant communities, he previously led the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC), advancing efforts in wealth-building, cultural investment, and community development. He serves on multiple national and local boards and is a 2023 Bush Fellow.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

🔹 Support Impacted Families
The Yesod Fund provides flexible, direct support to individuals and families most impacted by the recent Metro Operation Surge in Minnesota.
👉 https://yesodfund.org

🔹 Immigrant Support & Legal Resources
👉 https://immigrantdefensenetwork.org/#resources

🔹 Support Latino-Owned Small Businesses
Mercado Central has served as a cultural and economic anchor in Minneapolis for over 26 years, supporting Latino entrepreneurs and strengthening the East Lake Street corridor.

👉 Donate to support Mercado Central:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-save-mercado-central-from-closure

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