Backlash Over Minnesota Politician’s Support for Undocumented Immigrants

A Minnesota politician is under fire for advocating ways for undocumented immigrants in St. Paul to evade federal immigration enforcement.

St. Paul City Council Vice President Hwa Jung Kim shared a social media video urging locals to resist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), suggesting actions like delivering groceries to undocumented individuals and tracking ICE agents.

In her post on Instagram, Kim mentioned noticing an influx of federal agents in the city and outlined her plan: “Today, I am starting the first mutual aid grocery drive in my neighborhood.” A widely shared video captured her remarks.

“It wasn’t even noon, and ICE had already taken five of my neighbors. I was responding to a family with their children,” she commented. She lamented, “There are more federal agents in Minnesota than the combined police forces of St. Paul and Minneapolis, yet community members have been stepping up, for instance, by escorting workers home from targeted businesses.”

Kim described the grocery initiative as a simple means for residents to engage, mentioning that many fear going out for groceries due to potential stops by federal agents.

Beyond her immediate community efforts, Kim expressed concern over the visible presence of federal agents on city property and hinted at tracking their activities. She encouraged individuals to document these observations and report them to her office.

The video did not sit well with many online; critics expressed harsh opinions. One user remarked, “Who thinks hiding indoors will protect against ICE enforcement?” while another questioned, “Bending over backwards to serve those who invade America. Traitors. Send this idiot back with them.”

Inquiries made to Kim’s office about public funding for this grocery project went unanswered initially.

This controversy follows an incident involving federal agents, where a woman obstructed a federal operation, resulting in two officers being shot and killed. According to her official site, Kim is supported by various political groups, including the St. Paul Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party.