Sounding Board: Reflections, Commentary

Minnesota visit stirs insights

Observations of the St. Paul, Minnesota, community response to Operation Metro Surge from visiting in February with other faith leaders says we can love our neighbors.

Paul (name changed to protect the innocent, and yes, this protection is necessary) came in with a blast of cold air, wearing Carhart coveralls and one of those hats that has fold-down fur flaps to cover your ears. His beard completed the circle of fur. He spoke at a slow pace, pausing between phrases to think. He said he was really glad we were there and thanked us for coming.

Then he described his neighborhood, the chosen ground for his action. He monitored for ICE vehicles, provided food for immigrants too frightened to leave their houses. Some were in asylum programs where the process ground along slowly. Some were undocumented. None were criminal. He had chosen to love them.

They were concerned that, like the Hmong grandfather, they might be dragged through the snow into the street. Some had lost or given up their jobs. Paul worked with his brother to face mounting needs: another 36 requests for assistance in the last two weeks. Some needed rent money to maintain their permanent residence, a requirement, and some were no longer living in that residence out of fear of deportation.

In contrast, the ICE financial support was immense, with military gear, black tinted-window SUVs, creating an economic war. I learned ICE agents receive bonuses of more than $40,000 from tax dollars.

Paul's brother dressed the same, Minnesota winter ready, but he was weary, worn down by carrying too heavy a load for too long.

He told of an ICE intrusion into a neighbor's home, terrifying the family. The wife miscarried a couple of days later. It struck a nerve with him because his wife was due soon with twins. It struck a nerve with me because we cared for our identical grand twin girls, now just over a year old, for many of their early months. He lacked money and had no time to rest. Only faith and love held him up.

Minneapolis loves their immigrants. The residents love their city. The citizens wonder what's happened to the country they love. The whole community in St. Paul has answered the biblical question "Who is my neighbor?"

My observation is that ICE is the terror, and that the terror is felt indiscriminately throughout neighborhoods.

The clergy I was with often speak of seeking justice and mercy and walking humbly with God (Micah 6:8). That is lived in the community in St. Paul every minute, night and day in the face of oppression. They yearn for peace.

My prayer is that we in Spokane can love our neighbors like they do in Minneapolis. We have seen a great light and the darkness will not overcome it.

John Wallingford
Cathedral of St. John