Voices of the Brave

Within the past year we have experienced both Operation Midway Blitz and Operation Metro Surge, what was supposed to be an immigration crackdown of the “worst of the worst” quickly became something that we had never seen before. What was supposed to “target criminal undocumented immigrants”, resulted in the raids of many detainees with no prior criminal background. It resulted in not only the separation of many families but the result of over 45 deaths by immigration enforcement and continues.. 

  • A memorial display with black and white photographs of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good, their birth and death years, and white flowers on top, with a sign that says "Patriots."
  • A group of protesters holding signs, with one sign reading 'CAGES are for the GUILTY, NOT the INNOCENT', during a demonstration outdoors on a cloudy day.
  • A protest sign with a stylized black bird, possibly a phoenix, on a gradient background of pink, orange, and purple, held up during a demonstration outdoors.
  • People participating in a protest or march, holding a sign that reads 'FAMILIES BELONG TOGETHER,' outdoors with a crowd.
Crowd standing on the street during a protest or rally, with some holding signs and banners, in front of buildings with some trees and a clear blue sky.

The Immigrant Defense Network (IDN), a network of over 100 immigrant, labor, legal, faith, and community organizations, came together in unity and dedicated themselves in protecting and advancing the constitutional rights of immigrant communities across Minnesota. 

In January 2026, The IDN launched the Constitutional Observer Training to properly educate others not only on their Constitutional Rights but how they could help become the eyes and ears during these operations so things can be fought in the courtrooms. Alongside these trainings, the Immigrant Defense Network also delivers trusted information, referrals to legal support, and coordinated educational activities across Minnesota. 

A young woman with dark hair, wearing a red headband and a scarf, holds a rectangular object in her hands while standing among a crowd outdoors on a sunny day. The background includes people and colorful decorations or displays.

Immigrants are the backbone of the economy, cultural richness, and civic life. We all deserve to live a life with dignity and without fear. Unfortunately that hasn’t been the case for many citizens and immigrants in the United States. In a time where there has been nothing but violence, Constitutional Observers are being trained to help bring light during these tough situations.

The work of Constitutional Observers has helped many by providing evidence of these injustices in a way that can be documented and provided for immigration court cases.

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Table with flyers and signs promoting immigrant neighborhood awareness and donations, volunteers behind the table, holiday decorations, and QR code for donations.

In February 2026, the IDN launched the Brave of Us Midwest 30 City Tour. The Tour consisted of 30 Minnesota and other midwest cities stops that helped bring brave and courageous citizens that were interested in educating themselves in what they could do to help and support during these rough times for immigrants in their community.

Within the tour, they get to learn not only about their constitutional rights but how to use the S.A.L.U.T.E. framework and become constitutional observers. They provide an educational environment for people to learn more and ask questions about what happens during immigration operations.

Over the course of the past four months, the IDN has trained over 30,000 Constitutional Observers across 77 out of 87 counties in Minnesota. Additionally about 10,000 volunteers are registered to help deliver food, give at-risk families rides, go to court hearings and help translate documents. So far, the IDN has been able to mobilize over $2.5 million to help and directly support families impacted by ICE operations in Minnesota. Over $1.3 million has been distributed to support the community and funds continue to be processed every day to help support families in Minnesota.

This work has allowed communities to help not only defend but protect their neighbors and communities. Many people across the nation are coming together and gaining the courage and bravery to speak up and speak out about these injustices.

Group of diverse people standing and sitting in a room with artwork on the walls, in front of a large television screen displaying 'Constitutional Observers Training'.

On March 31, 2026, the Immigration Defense Network hosted their Brave of Us Tour in Winona, MN.

A senior student at Saint Mary’s University in Minnesota named Fernanda Gutierrez, wanted to collaborate and create testimonials of those brave and courageous people that showed up to learn more and share some of their inspirations for wanting to learn more.

This is to share the amazing work of constitutional observers and the beautiful why’s that the brave of us have to become Constitutional Observers.

Listen to the wonderful testimonials from Voices of the Brave.

Voices of the Brave