I am currently fundraising $9000 for rent and everyday expenses for 3 families due to the "Operation Metro Surge" ICE occupation of the Twin Cities, MN. All of these households are unable to work due to fears of detention, loss of clientele, and lack of childcare. These conditions have put them at risk of rent late fees and/or eviction.

These funds will be used to cover the cost of rent, groceries, childcare and education, everyday expenses, and legal fees. This will ensure that these families can stay safe and have their needs met without having to take unnecessary risks that leave them vulnerable to harassment and detention.

This fundraiser is organized by family friends in South Minneapolis, led by Sandy. We are not affiliated with any organization. We are working directly with these families, prioritizing their privacy, dignity and safety above all else.

Identifying details about the families and organizers will not be shared publicly. Donations will be distributed privately and directly. If donations exceed our goal, remaining funds will be used to support other Minneapolis families in our immediate network facing similar housing instability.

-- UPDATE 1/29/2026 --

Thank you to everybody who donated. We reached our goal in less than 3 hours, which shocked all of us. We appreciate your trust in us to redistribute these funds in a good way! Your support for Minneapolis and the broader Twin Cities Metro Area means the world to us.

We are planning on distributing these funds to the 3 Latino families in our community based on household size:

A portion of these funds will be sent directly to my family member, who cares for his young daughter. These will be used for housing rent for March, everyday household expenses (groceries, childcare costs), and legal fees. We recently accompanied this family member to immigration court and thankfully, he made it home safely. These funds ensure we have access to critical legal support in case of detainment or deportation.

A portion of these funds will be sent to a family friend, who lives nearby to the site of Alex Pretti's murder. These will be used for housing rent for February and March, everyday household expenses (groceries), and rent for her business.

A portion of these funds will be sent to another family friend, who has two children. These will be used for housing rent for March, everyday household expenses (educational costs, childcare, groceries).

A small portion of these funds will be reserved for emergencies, such as surprise legal fees or emergency medical services. These are for circumstances that emerge related to ICE activity, such as receiving an injury or being detained. These funds will be reserved in my bank account and distributed as needed. If no emergencies arise by April 1st 2026, we will distribute the remainder equally across the three individuals.

Best,

Sandy :)