In response to the Chamber’s call for deescalation, MUID calls for an immediate end to ICE’s Operation Metro Surge and urges public accountability and solidarity with affected communities.
On January 26, 2026, the Metropolitan Urban Indian Directors Group (MUID) a coalition of more than thirty-five American Indian organizations serving the Twin Cities—issued a formal letter to the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce in response to the Chamber’s January 25 call for “deescalation of tensions.”
MUID asserts that true deescalation is impossible while Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continues “Operation Metro Surge” in Minnesota. The letter outlines serious concerns over violent and traumatic ICE actions impacting U.S. citizens, with disproportionate harm to communities of color and Urban American Indian communities. MUID calls for the immediate end of ICE operations in Minnesota as a necessary first step toward any meaningful dialogue or collaboration.
The letter also calls on the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and its members to clearly state where they stand by publicly condemning ICE’s actions and standing with impacted communities. Continued silence, MUID warns, risks irreparable harm to trust and partnership.
We strongly encourage all readers to take the time to read the full letter below. It speaks directly to this moment, raises critical questions about values and accountability, and calls on all of us to consider where we stand and how we move forward together.
After losing her son, Christine turned her grief into advocacy and worked to create change for others. With support from American Indian OIC, she rebuilt her confidence, found meaningful work, and continues to make a difference by helping others through difficult times.
This month, we proudly celebrate Dr. Joe Hobot, President and CEO of American Indian OIC, as he marks 20 years of dedicated service to our organization and community. From his beginnings as a classroom teacher to leading AIOIC’s continued growth, Joe has helped expand educational opportunities, strengthen our organization, and advance our mission of serving the urban Indigenous community.
Kyla’s journey is shaped by resilience, determination, and a passion for helping others. As a Youth Career Counselor at American Indian OIC, she is dedicated to empowering participants and connecting them with opportunities to achieve their goals.
