February 2026 E-News 

"Never, never be afraid to do what's right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society's punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way."

 -- Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

To request this information in another language or format, please contact [email protected]. Si aad u codsato foomkan oo qaab ama luqad kale ah, fadlan la xiriir [email protected]. Para solicitar esta información en otro idioma o formato, póngase en contacto con [email protected].

Elliot Park Neighborhood stands with our immigrant neighbors.

We know increased ICE activity has created fear and uncertainty in our neighborhood. We believe true safety comes from trust and connection, where everyone can go about daily life without fear, regardless of immigration status.

We reject attempts to divide our neighborhood through intimidation. Our immigrant neighbors are essential to Elliot Park, and our community is stronger because of you.

EPNI remains committed to solidarity, care, and sharing resources that help protect our neighbors’ dignity and safety.

Elliot Park Neighbor Support Fund

How to Help / Cómo Ayudar / Sida Loo Gargaaro

• Donate to the Fund / Dona al Fondo / U Deeq Mushahariciinta: https://give.mn/zmh9yf

THANK YOU to our generous neighbors -- we have so far raised over $5,000 to help support our neighbors, prioritizing their safety, meet their basic needs with groceries, supplies, and assistance with financial hardships. Let's keep it going!

• Call or email to Donate supplies (SEE Donation List above) / Llamar o enviar correo electrónico para donar suministros / Wac ama iimayl u dir si aad ugu deeqdo agabka: 612-234-2280 or [email protected]

• Request or Offer Help / Solicita u Ofrece Ayuda / Weydii ama Bixi Caawimaad: tinyurl.com/ElliotPark-NeighborSupport

• If you want to give rent assistance to neighbors, please donate to one of these city-wide Renter Support Fund, which EPNI is collaboratively supporting. Visit: https://www.ppna.org/renter-support-fund OR Neighbors Helping Neighbors: https://nhn-tc.org/

In these unprecedented times, please give what you can to help support the Elliot Park Neighbor Support Network & Fund, created to help support our immigrant neighbors in Elliot Park and/or neighbors in Elliot Park directly impacted by the current federal immigration enforcement activities, requiring them to limit activities to prioritize their safety, with critical needs (groceries, safe transportation, and other financial help).

The Elliot Park Neighbor Support Network provides direct, confidential aid and support to our immigrant and directly impacted neighbors facing urgent needs, by working to connect neighbors with these critical needs with neighbors with resources to give. Your donation to the Support Fund helps cover essentials like groceries, safe transportation, and emergency financial support so our community can stay safe and supported. Any amount helps.

Questions? / ¿Preguntas? / Su'aalo?

Contact EPNI: 📧 [email protected] | 📞 (612) 234-2280
Translation and accommodations available. / Traducción y adaptaciones disponibles. / Turjubaan iyo meelayn waa la heli karaa.

EPNI stands with, welcomes and supports our immigrant neighbors

EPNI stands in solidarity with our immigrant neighbors. We are here to offer support and help connect neighbors with rights and resources, and to connect neighbors who have help to offer, with neighbors who need help.

• • Need rights and resources information? Click HERE for an immigration rights and resource guide in English, Somali and Spanish, with a list of resources to learn about your constitutional legal rights, find free legal advice and services by phone or at in-person clinics, get help if a loved one is detained; as well as resources for community members or property and business owners who want to help.
•  
  • Do you want to help your neighbors OR do you need help? Click HERE to sign up with the Elliot Park Neighbor Support in English, Somali and Spanish, to either offer your help to neighbors, or to request help with grocery and basic supplies delivery, safely getting where you need to go, or getting connected to other kinds of resources.

We are stronger together. Questions about getting connected to help and resources, or with how to help your neighbors, or need translation or other accommodations? Contact us at [email protected] or (612) 234-2280.

From CBS News: Family members say the man killed by a federal officer in Minneapolis on Saturday, 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti, was an intensive care nurse at the Veterans Administration who cared deeply about people and was upset by President Trump's immigration crackdown in his city.

His family says he was an avid outdoorsman who loved getting in adventures with Joule, his beloved Catahoula Leopard dog, who also recently died.

He had participated in protests following the killing of Renee Good, who was shot behind the wheel of her SUV by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Law Enforcement officer earlier this month.

Read the full article here.

‘Better Together ~ Together As One’

Photo of Ice Out March by Star Tribune

Photos of Ice Out Rally by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News. Speakers pictured Rachel Dionne-Thunder, Vin Dion and Jeremy Messersmith.
 

One woman told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS that she’s been battling cancer, and most of her nurses are Somali.

“I wouldn’t have survived without them, and Trump just says, ‘We don’t want these people here,’ and how dare he? How dare he?” said Natalie Berg through tears.

City of Minneapolis - Immigration Updates

What to do if you see ICE in your neighborhood

Everyone has constitutional protections — regardless of immigration status.

Before opening your door to ICE, know your rights, as recommended by the Immigrant Law Center. Remember to assert them calmly and safely. Find more Know Your Rights resources on our website.

Also visit the Virtual Resource Center for additional resources.

Know Your Rights

The Immigrant Law Center suggests the following if federal immigration agents come to your home. 

Remember:

• ICE needs a judge-signed warrant with your name and address to enter.
• You can ask them to show you the warrant through the window or under the door.
• If there is no valid warrant, you have the right to keep your door closed.

With increased federal immigration activities, residents and community members are asking what to do if they see ICE in their neighborhood. Due to our City’s separation ordinance, MPD does not work with ICE on immigration enforcement operations and cannot interfere with those operations. 

Call 911 right away if:  You see someone with a gun and they are not wearing anything that identifies them as law enforcement.  You hear gunshots or see someone firing a gun.  Someone is being assaulted.  A person is being taken by force into an unmarked vehicle and you don’t know if law enforcement is involved.  When you call 911, describe what you see. Officers may come to assess the situation.

What’s new:

• An executive order by Mayor Frey – now codified in the ordinance – prevents Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from staging on City-owned lots and ramps
• New reports to Mayor and City Council
• Updated training for employees on the separation ordinance

What doesn’t change:

• The City does not participate in immigration enforcement and will not self-deploy to an ICE-related event
• MPD protects the safety of everyone, regardless of immigration status

As we witness increased federal immigration enforcement throughout the Twin Cities, we are committed to doing everything in our power to keep our community safe and support everyone living in fear of being targeted.

MPD is dedicated to community policing as a means of reducing crime while building community trust. Therefore, MPD will investigate criminal activity without regard to a person’s actual or perceived immigration status. Doing otherwise would have a chilling effect on our ability to provide public safety to our community. Read more on the City's website.

More City of Minneapolis Immigrant Resources:

How to prepare:

• • Make a plan to prepare your family.
  • Carry a “know-your-rights” card.
  • Keep your immigration papers on you at all times.
  • Meet with a lawyer to learn about your immigration options.
  • Learn how to prepare for an immigration encounter. Attend a workshop, information session or community hours.

Visit the City’s website to learn all this and more.

Legal Rights Center: New Legal Resource in Hennepin County

Legal rights Center has launched a brand new resource the First Defense Hotline, a 24/7 free legal resource for Hennepin County residents.

Everyone has the right to speak with a lawyer immediately following arrest. The First Defense Hotline, housed at the Legal Rights Center, expands access to early-stage representation for arrestees in Hennepin County who are unable to afford an attorney.

If you or a loved one has been arrested in Hennepin County by local law enforcement, call 612-200-0844 within the first few hours to receive a free visit from a lawyer, trained as a volunteer with the First Defense Hotline.

Your Community Voice Needed: Help Tell Elliot Park’s Story Through a Mural!

Share your feedback on the art to be included in the Elliot Park mural HERE. 

Elliot Park Neighborhood (EPNI) and North Central University are teaming up for an exciting community mural creation—and we want your feedback to bring our community’s story to life!

The Vision:

We’re looking for bold, vibrant mural designs that:

• Celebrate Elliot Park’s history, diversity, and future

• Feel welcoming, inclusive, and inspiring to all

• Reflect the spirit of our neighborhood and its people

The Canvas: The winning design(s) will be painted on the Praise FM building (15th St. & Chicago Ave.) by a team of NCU students and community volunteers in Spring-Summer 2026.

This fall, three local artists submitted their artwork to be part of the Elliot Park community mural. Please share your feedback about the artwork submissions by completing this short form HERE:  https://forms.gle/mqE3maMRtyBKUazi8

Questions? Email [email protected] Let’s make something beautiful together!

EPNI February Calendar

To request interpreting services or accommodations for these events, please contact [email protected]. Si aad u codsato turjubaan ama waafajin, fadlan la xiriir [email protected]. Para solicitar servicios de interpretación o adaptaciones para estos actos, póngase en contacto con [email protected].

Please visit the EPNI web Calendar for event details & to RSVP! Also post and share our February Event Calendar flyer (PDF) which is linked here and posted above. 

Wednesday, February 4th & February 18th  - Free Groceries, Cooking Class, Free Lunch & Hygiene Supplies
9:30am-11:30am (or until supplies last!) • At Elliot Park Rec Center, 1000 E. 14th Ave. (during construction - 14th St. main entrance now open for this event!)

Join our free Grocery Distribution, Community Cooking Class (10:00-11:00am) and free bagged lunch + hygiene supplies, in partnership with the EPNI Food Access Work Group, MPRB - Elliot Park, Jericho Road and Mobile Loaves!

Monday, February 23rd - Elliot Park Food Access Meeting
4:00-5:00pm • At Elliot Park Rec Center, 1000 E. 14th Ave. 

Join neighbors to work collectively on our food access goals, such as:

• Bring a Grocery Store or Co-op to Elliot Park
• Expand Food-sharing Community Gardens
• Continue to build our Food Distribution Program

Monday, Feburary 23rd - EPNI Board Meeting
6:00-7:30pm• At Elliot Park Rec Center, 1000 E. 14th Ave. (enter on the 8th St. side during construction)  **NOTE: This meeting is rescheduled from the regular 3rd Monday meeting, due to President's Day on 2/16/26.

Your voice matters, and your insights are invaluable. Join the EPNI monthly Board meeting to stay informed, share your ideas, and help shape the future of our community. Together, we can make our neighborhood an even better place to live. ALL are welcome -- see you there!

Do you have a suggestion or question for Elliot Park Neighborhood Inc.? Email [email protected] or text / call (612) 234-2280 and we will get back to you soon!

February Community Calendar

Saturday, February 21 – “Rooted in Care: Dementia, Caregiving, & Culture”

9:00 AM – 3:00 PM NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center, Conference Room 5205 (1256 Penn Ave N)

Register here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc9pw-S50Mig7MMtPupJVRpFeVE9VnjiiGWhCidsn9MT-_5Ug/viewform

MPRB - Elliot Park & Recreation Center Events

Search the program by keyword, or filter by location to see all programs at Elliot Park.

The Minneapolis Downtown Council's Community Calendar is your source for downtown events & FREE fun!

Helpful Community Resources

Nicollet Community Space: Come together for a moment of connection and comfort. Enjoy a few games, charge your phone, and share a cup of tea with fellow community members. Open to all. Located on the street level of Gaviidae Commons, at 6th Street & Nicollet.

City of Minneapolis Resources:

• City of Minneapolis response to federal actions
• Know Your Rights and Resources Webpage
• Resources Related to Increased Federal Activity

Safety Communication Center:
Phone: 612.332.1111
Hours: Monday-Saturday 6:00am - 11:00pm and Sunday 6:00am - 6:30pm

EPNI Project Reports & Updates

Elliot Park Quick Resident Survey: 5 Questions, 10 Minutes --  Let YOUR Voice Be Heard - Survey HERE!

"There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about." – Margaret J. Wheatley

Your voice matters! We appreciate you taking a few minutes to let us know what's most important to you in the neighborhood, and ways you want to get connected and involved in Elliot Park! Click HERE to take the quick EPNI survey • af-Soomaliga. Thank you!

City & Community Updates

Resources for Neighbors Facing Food Insecurity & Houselessness

Food Resources:

• Check out this Schedule & Map of Free Meals near Downtown & South Minneapolis
• Check out the Twin Cities Metropolitan Food Resource Map
• Minnesota has more than 300 food shelves and meal programs to help support families when they need help right away. Residents can find a local food shelf using the Hunger Solutions’ map or by calling 1-888-711-1151.
• Check out which Twin Cities restaurants and organizations are contributing to food access by offering free food in November in this November 1st Bring Me the News article HERE.

Check out Hennepin County's Severe cold warming options List HERE

When the temperature or wind-chill become dangerously low, these places are open during specified hours. Everyone is welcome. hennepin.us/StayWarm

Resources for Unhoused People

To access more resources visit: https://www.hennepin.us/residents/human-services/waypoint

Community Safety Resources

submitted by Carla Nielson, MPD Neighborhood Crime Prevention Specialist for Elliot Park

Crime Prevention Newsletter—new in 2026

Minneapolis Police Department Crime Prevention Specialists will be producing an online newsletter beginning in January 2026. The goal is to have one every other month. Topics will include highlights of the various Precincts, updates if there’s any crime trends, how to register for National Night Out in the spring, and much more! 

The newsletter will come directly to you in email format. To receive it, you will need to sign up for GovDelivery. The City does not sell or give your email out. 

When you sign up: We keep your contact information private. We never share your contact information. We only send you information on the topics you select.

Sign up HERE now: Enter your email address or cell number to subscribe to updates on a variety of topics.

Update your subscriptions: To stop emails, click Unsubscribe at the bottom of any email we send you. To update your contact information or change your subscription, sign into GovDelivery.

More neighborhood safety questions? In 2026, Carla Nielson will continue to be the Crime Prevention Specialist in both Elliot Park Neighborhood and Cedar Riverside. She can be contacted at [email protected] or 612-919-8887 (phone during Mon-Fri regular business hours).

EPNI Renter's Corner

311: Did You Know . . . ?

Continued Neighborhood Opportunities:

Community Solar Garden Opportunity