Page updated on July 31, 2020
At this unprecedented moment in our history, the ground can feel like it’s shifting nearly every minute. Our nation is facing a serious public health crisis, and it’s important that we do what we can to take care of ourselves and each other.
The need to safeguard the civil liberties of all Minnesotans becomes even more crucial in times like this. We must protect public health, and we must protect everyone’s rights. These goals are intertwined. The heart of supporting civil liberties is believing in equality, equity and rights for all.
Watch the bottom of this page for additional resources.
Nobody should be afraid to seek medical care for fear of immigration enforcement. ICE has stated that it does not conduct enforcement at medical facilities, except under extraordinary circumstances.
People in detention are highly vulnerable to contagious illnesses because they are housed in close quarters and are often in poor health. We have called on state officials to do all they can to safeguard inmates’ health and civil liberties, including releasing people who are in jail because they can’t afford bail, limiting arrests to only the most serious offenses, and instituting furloughs for those in prison at high risk of contracting the virus.
Our state must support people who cannot afford to miss work or who lack paid sick leave. All Minnesotans face increased risk if people go to work because they can't afford not to. The government must work with employers to ensure all workers are supported in voluntarily staying home right now. We must support children who are home because schools have closed. All students must have equal access to an education, regardless of whether they have access to the internet or other resources.
If you are feeling sick, you should stay home, avoid contact with others and monitor your symptoms. Contact your primary health care provider if your symptoms — particularly your fever, cough or shortness of breath — become severe. It is recommended that you call your provider and describe your symptoms before seeking in-person care.
Individuals with questions about how they can protect themselves and others from infection can view guidelines and recommendations from these respected organizations:
COVID-19 does not discriminate based on race, where you come from, your immigration status, or anything else. One of the disconcerting aspects of the pandemic is the continued rise of xenophobia and racism toward Asian American community members.
In response, Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan have launched a Discrimination Helpline. Every Minnesotan can call the Discrimination Helpline at 1-833-454-0148 or complete and submit this online form. The helpline is staffed by investigators from the Minnesota Department of Human Rights Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Translation/interpretation services are available.
If you are the victim of a crime, including a hate crime, or fear for your safety, call 911 immediately.
On Thursday, April 9 The ACLU of Minnesota hosted a virtual town hall to share updates on our organizing, legislative and legal work and to answer your questions about the status and security of our civil liberties during the pandemic.
Call Minnesota sheriffs to advocate for the people being held at in county jails for Immigrations & Customs Enforcement. These sheriffs must take action to protect the people in their care from infection with COVID-19.
The ACLU of Minnesota understands and supports the need to protect public health, while also preserving and defending our precious civil liberties. We are monitoring this and any forthcoming orders and enforcement related to COVID-19 for potential civil liberties violations.
Right now, we are living in unprecedented times. It would be easy to give into fear and helplessness, not to mention go a little stir crazy. But a great way to battle the uncertainty – and cabin fever -- is to get involved in the fight for civil liberties, even while you’re stuck inside.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota Tuesday afternoon released a letter urging officials to take creative and thoughtful action in responding to the Coronavirus crisis to avoid exacerbating long-standing race-based and wealth-based inequalities in our state.