I spent the first part of January recovering from long-scheduled surgery I had in late December. In these last weeks during January, though I was feeling better physically, I experienced absolute outrage and heartbreak watching the events in my hometown of the #TwinCities. I was sickened and disgusted as I saw #Renee Nicole Good being shot by ICE agents. This gentle mother who only came to help others in her community was murdered in the most unjust and horrific manner!

In the days since, my heart has been breaking for Renee Good’s children, her spouse, and her community. I am heartsick for the immigrants who have made Minnesota their home yet are hiding in fear of being taken away from this wonderful community. I am heartbroken for my hometown and home state, where these illegal and immoral actions wrought by our own government, are taking place.

But I have also felt enormous pride watching the strength of Minnesotans who came out to document injustice, to march in the streets in defiance of illegal government actions, and who have come together as a community to help those who are hiding — survive by delivering food and essentials meeting their everyday needs. Yes, #MinnesotaNice is real and is deep!

When the barbaric murder of #Alex Jeffrey Pretti occurred, my outrage and exasperation boiled over. I will not be silent. Not one of us should be silent.

We, the people, must stand up to the lawlessness and barbarism that has occurred in Minnesota by every lawful means possible. This is not politics folks! This is our democracy under attack. And there is a great deal we can do and we must do. Become #Minnesotanice! Click here to see several ways that you can help!