Standing Together: How to Support Minnesota's Immigrant and Refugee Neighbors
These organizations work every day to support all members of our community — across cultures, identities and experiences.
Immigrant & Refugee Support
As Minnesotans, we share something powerful: a deep belief that we care for our neighbors, a love for community, and a commitment to making sure every person belongs. This includes creating safe space for immigrant communities.
When so many of our community members' civic and civil rights are being challenged, it impacts us all. The presence of immigrants has improved how our state learns, lives and governs. So today and every day, we stand together to support all members of our community — across cultures, identities and experiences.
We stand with organizations and leaders doing the difficult, often unseen work of de-escalating harm, protecting families, and building connection across difference. As you look to show support to immigrant communities and neighbors in this time of civic unrest and injustice, here are a few steps you can consider.
What Can You Do?
- Know your rights
- Contact your members of Congress
- Donate time to your local immigrant and refugee networks & support your neighbors
- Share resources
Know Your Rights
With deeply disturbing reports of violence and constitutional violations being perpetrated by officers of our federal government, it’s important to know that certain rights are guaranteed to all people in the United States, regardless of immigration status.
If you witness or are directly impacted and need support:
- COPAL/Immigrant Defense Network Helpline, 612.255.3112
- Monarca Rapid Response Line, 612.441.2881
If you or a family member is being detained:
- Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, 651.641.1011 (Monday-Thursday 1-3pm)
- Council on American-Islamic Relations, 612.206.3360 (call or text)
- Monarca Legal Q&A and Referrals, 651.372.8642
Resources from the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota
Resources from the International Institute of Minnesota
Contact Your Member of Congress
The most effective advocacy happens when people band together. If you care about these issues, contact a member of Congress or other elected officials to share your concerns.
Elected Officials
Local – Mayor, City Council
State – Governors, State & Territorial Legislators
Federal – President, U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative
Volunteer & Connect with Your Neighbors
Support local agencies and organizations in Minnesota by volunteering your time and talents.
Get to know your neighbors regardless of race or nationality. Establish relationships, get to know their families, so that you can be of support to each other in times of crisis or need. Exercise your First Amendment rights through peaceful demonstrations.
Minnesota Immigrant/Refugee Organizations Working on Response
Here’s a list of organizations providing support to our immigrant and refugee neighbors.
Rapid response & constitutional observer networks
- CAIR-MN - playing multiple functions for Somali community response, including safety and legal resources, communications/narrative, etc.
- MONARCA - supported by Unidos MN
- Immigrant Defense Network - supported by COPAL
- Immigrant Rapid Response Fund - created by a group of philanthropic leaders to ensure that resources move quickly and responsibly during immigration-related emergencies
Legal resources
- The Immigration Hub - supported by Immigrant Law Center of MN
- Advocates for Human Rights (also part of The Hub)
- Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (also part of The Hub)
Immigrant/refugee community-centered organizations
- Ayada Leads (one of the leads of Immigrant Defense Network)
- The Muslim Coalition – supported by ISAIAH
- Islamic Center of St. Cloud
- Awood Center - particularly organizing with East African workers - Twin Cities
- African Career Education and Resources (ACER) - Twin Cities
- Hooyo Hour Organization - particularly organizing with East African population - Saint Cloud
- Greater MN Workers Center - particularly organizing with East African workers - Saint Cloud
- Immigrant Development Center - particularly organizing with East African population - Fargo/Moorhead
- Urban Village - working with the Karen community facing Temporary Protected Status loss
- MN8 - Southeast Asian-community focused
Immigrant community media / narrative impact
Additional Greater Minnesota organizations
- Fe y Justicia - Saint Cloud/Central Minnesota
- Minnesota Seeds of Justice - Worthington
- Community Connect Center (formerly South Sudanese Foundation) - Fargo/Moorhead
- ESHARA (Ethnic Self-Help Alliance for Refugee Assistance) - Fargo/Moorhead
- CASA - Moorhead
- Mi Casa - Shakopee/Chaska area
- Global Friends Coalition – Grand Forks/East Grand Forks
If you are a fundholder looking for more ways to support these causes and organizations, contact your philanthropic advisor.
This post was published on Dec. 8, 2025, and updated on Jan. 14, 2026.
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