A volunteer for Basic Needs was detained at the Basic Needs food Market off Jamaica Avenue on Wednesday, Jan. 14, after 1 p.m.
The man, described as a middle aged Latino man who pastors a Spanish speaking church and has volunteered every week at Basic Needs since October including by translation for shoppers, was taken into custody by ICE agents after they asked for his documentation at the doors of Basic Needs Food Market, located at 8475 East Point Douglas Road. The man provided agents with unknown documentation and was taken into custody.
Although not believed to be a citizen, the man’s immigration status was unclear. The agents had also been in Basic Needs parking lot Monday and Tuesday prior to the arrest. The incident has resulted in a marked decrease in shoppers of color at Basic Needs.
Video of the Wednesday incident shows an unmarked black Jeep Grand Cherokee with two agents and apparent non-government plates being assisted by a similarly unmarked white Dodge four door sedan, also with two agents. Basic Needs staff is heard asking agents to be careful with the man and that he has an injury, the agents placing the man in the back passenger seat of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. One agent then uses their phone to document those watching before the SUV drives away.
“Please be safe with him,” Basic Needs staff says of the volunteer in the video. “We love him. He’s such a hard worker.”
The Wednesday arrest by ICE at Basic Needs was undertaken as part of Operation Metro Surge, an operation which has seen thousands of arrests take place across the Twin Cities. Press releases by both ICE and the Department of Homeland Security have highlighted the “worst of the worst” complete with photos, casting the operation as a matter of federal law enforcement.
Basic Needs posted a statement of its own to social media Wednesday night.
“Basic Needs is deeply troubled by the arrest and detention of one of our valued volunteers by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) today.
“We stand firmly with our community during this challenging time. Our commitment to serving all members of our community remains unwavering. We believe in the dignity and worth of every individual, and we will continue to provide support and resources to those who need them.
“We encourage anyone affected by today’s events or who has concerns to reach out to us at info@basicneedsmn.org.
“Our doors remain open, and our mission continues. We will not be deterred from serving our community with the same dedication and care that you all expect and receive.”
Basic Needs Director Executive Director Opey Peñaloga shared more Thursday.
“We cannot release any of his information, but I can say that he was a middle aged, Latino man who volunteered with us every week and helped in a variety of ways, including translating for our Spanish speaking shoppers,” he said of the man arrested. “What happened yesterday was upsetting, but we will continue to ground our work in the belief that every person deserves access to basic needs and to be treated with humanity, regardless of circumstance. Everyone has a job to do, and our job is to share food with our neighbors in need, we will not be distracted from our mission or from standing with the people we serve.”
Washington County Board Chair Karla Bigham and Cottage Grove Mayor Myron Bailey both spoke out on the matter as well.
“This is unacceptable,” Bigham wrote. “This is a community organization that helps people get food. This is completely outrageous!”
Bailey shared his thoughts on the matter as well.
“While I am unaware of the details surrounding this, I want to vocalize my support for Basic Needs, and the incredible work they do as as organization in our community. Our staff and I are committed to continuing our communication with Basic Needs and their doors remain open as they continue to serve the community. I am greatly deeply grateful for all they do.”
Bailey earlier released a statement regarding ICE’s presence in Cottage Grove:
“Federal immigration law enforcement in our community
“I first want to start off by saying that current events have left many in our community and around the state feeling scared, angry, and confused. To our residents, know that I see you and share in many of the concerns for overall community safety that people have shared, regardless of political ideologies or opinions. At the end of the day, everyone’s safety is paramount.
“Some concerns about activity in Cottage Grove have also come to my attention and I wanted to clarify a couple things about what I know and what our local police department’s role is and what it isn’t. I recognize, again, that there is a great deal of fear and concern right now, and as a result, I feel an obligation to provide information to hopefully clarify and address a few things.
“Role of local law enforcement: 
“By law, Cottage Grove police only enforce state and local laws, not federal immigration laws. It is the responsibility of the federal government to enforce federal immigration laws. Cottage Grove police are not notified of federal operations. Cottage Grove police do not have the ability to check someone’s legal status and will not participate in federal immigration enforcement activity in our community.
“Cottage Grove Police serve everyone in our community
“We recognize that the current actions regarding immigration are causing fear and concern. People in our community should not be afraid to call 911 when they are a victim of a crime or witness a crime, even if they are undocumented. The Cottage Grove Police Department’s job is to protect and serve everyone in the community and to keep everyone safe. I am thankful that our community supports our Police Department, and I am extremely proud to serve this community alongside them. 
“What we are doing currently:
“The city, Public Safety Director Pete Koerner, myself, and others are proactively communicating with business owners, the School District, and others to help address questions and concerns to the best of our ability. Public Safety personnel are conducting their excellent and professional work, just as they do every day, as normal. Which, again, is to conduct proactive community engagement, enforce state, and local laws, and to ensure that our community is safe. As far as I am concerned, their mission has not and will not change.
“To close: again, I hear your concerns. People are scared. Families are confused. We know that our community looks out for one another, and it is part of why I am so proud to have been born and raised in Cottage Grove and to have myself raised a family here in Cottage Grove.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your neighbors to lend a hand, please continue to call 911 should an emergency arise, and never forget that our Police Department is here to serve you, and I am personally extraordinarily thankful and proud of the work they do on a daily basis. 
“Thank you, 
“Myron Bailey 
Cottage Grove Mayor”