A new group is protesting on corners in Cottage Grove. seeking to show support for their undocumented and other neighbors.
Known as SWC United, the group has grown from 24 to 48 plus adherents,
A distinct group from the Bridge Brigade in nearby Newport but with members that attend both, SWC United group founder Alicia Mason shared more on what SWC United is all about.
“I am a resident of South Washington County. I started creating the group on the day after I felt the need to tell my fifth grade daughter what to do if ICE comes into her school. I felt the need to have a talk with her as she is beautifully indigenous Mexican American. I am white, I birthed her but realize she must overcome obstacles far greater than I ever had to due to her skin, hair and eye color. I made a video of this and posted it to my FB page publicly for awareness. That is when I decided to try and organize people in South Washington county. I thought to myself, I live in a suburb, I am white, I go to Minneapolis and St. Paul to rally, march and protest. However, I know people do not feel comfortable. I wanted to make a family friendly group where people would feel safe away from the high tensions that are happening. I wanted families to feel comfortable having their children present. I wanted to create a safe space where voices could be heard and we could still make a difference.
“That is when I started the creation of the Facebook Group. I launched the group on Facebook on the 10th of January.”
Mason also shared more on the group’s purpose.
“The name of the organization is South Washington County United, SWC United,” said. “Purpose is unity. Community togetherness. Standing for equality, justice. Also, we ask for ICE out of MN. For legal warrants. For ICE and the current administration to act legally. Stop terrorizing our neighbors. Act legally and respectfully.
“The goal is to bring awareness and ask for ICE to exit Minnesota. This is not just happening in Minneapolis or St. Paul. ICE is in the suburbs. We ask for ICE to get out and stop terrorizing Minnesota. Stop kidnapping our children and neighbors. Stop taking people legally here and following immigration regulations. Stop entering schools and hospitals. Stop breaking windows. Stop instigating and harassing legal protestors and observers.
It is not just about ICE however. It is the direction this country is going to. We want to stop going backwards.
As for who the group is for, Mason shared the following.
“What I have on the page about the organization:
§ South Washington County – United In Defense of Truth, Equity, and Democracy
§ This group is for those who live, work and visit South Washington County, Minnesota and want to unite and take action.
§ We stand for peaceful gatherings and protests.”
For this looking to connect, the group meets to hold various protests and gatherings, as follows:
§ Weekly, every Sunday at the corner of 80th and E. Point Douglas we gather to protest from noon to 2 p.m.
§ Weekly, every Friday at the corner of 80th and E. Point Douglas we gather to protest 3:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.
§ We meet at the library, or other places to gather as a community to collect donations, talk, vent, make signs, write cards for families sheltering in place, and plan future events.
§ You can find us on Facebook: SWC United
§ You can email us at SWCUnited.mn@gmail.com
The group planned a sit in at Target on Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 5 p.m., in collaboration with ICE OUT MN. The sit-in motive is to ask target to make a public statement for ICE OUT, and not make further donations to MAGA.
There will be a card and sign making event on Thursday, Feb. 12 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. at the Park Grove Library, with SWC United collecting baby items at the event.
Mason closed out by saying the group was made up of volunteers.
“We are all volunteers!” she said. “We show up because we care and it is important for the country. I am a single mom that works full time housing homeless families throughout the Twin Cities. This group is like a second job. I spend my breaks, evenings and weekends attending trainings, and ICE updates as well as organizing future events and taking part in rapid response when able. However, it is what I need to do, because if I did not do this, I would feel lost. My children are very supportive of me, and help out at times. Others are moms, dads, Single adults, grand parents, children, veterans, elderly, etc. Working, homemakers, retired, disabled, etc... None are paid.”