We are living in very uncertain times. The community in Minneapolis is unsettled, and we have watched for many days as our community has been targeted by law-enforcement for an immigration enforcement “surge.”

At our most recent board meeting, we had a long discussion about what the role of the DAC should be in the current environment. Our organization was founded by immigrants as a way to network and support each other. It has been a social outlet, and a place where like-minded individuals could share stories of their shared heritage and traditions that have been passed down through the generations.

Our empathy is genuine. We are watching and reading accounts of other local immigrants who are living in Minnesota and being targeted for deportation in a legally questionable manner. I have been contacted by many members of the organization who recall stories of the German occupation of Denmark during World War II, and the parallels are frighteningly similar to the conditions we see today here at home. We have also seen the brutal killings of Renee Goode and Alex Pretti. These images have been seared into our brains, and it adds an unbelievably large exclamation point to an unfathomable timeline.

The situation is taking both an emotional and an economic toll on our city of Minneapolis and the state of Minnesota at large. Parents and neighbors are watching out for each others’ security in a way that most had never imagined that they ever would. Businesses in the city, as well as statewide, are feeling an economic impact from the drop in spending and foot traffic, and the inability for workers to safely get to and from work. The fear is palpable, and it is unlike anything most of us ever thought we would experience.

So, the question remains, “what can we do?” There are many from our organization who are already active within their immediate local communities, helping to directly support immigrants who are nervous and scared. For the DAC at large, however, this is very much uncharted territory. We have had several suggestions come to the board members. Among them would be some sort of Town-hall gathering where we could gather our membership and have an open forum to discuss what we can do.

Having a meeting obviously won’t solve our problems, but it might help us chart a path forward. It may also serve as a welcome opportunity for like-minded individuals to gather and share stories and experiences. We will keep you posted. Feel free to reach out to me or any of the Board members if you want to talk. We stand strong together as Danes, and we stand strong together with the city of Minneapolis.

Fred og et velbygget hus kan ikke købes for dyrt.
Pete Gantriis