Hundreds gather for ICE observation training

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — Training is held in Moorhead on how to safely and legally observe I.C.E. operations.

The event had to be moved to a larger venue due to the number of people who signed up.

Upwards of 300 people filled Trinity Lutheran Church to get information on how to legally and safely observe and document ICE activities.

In attendance was Moorhead Mayor Shelly Carlson and several city council members who spoke out about the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti during Tuesday’s meeting.

The training classes were organized by the Immigration Defense Network.

Everyone at the class was asked to take a copy a handbook with information on how to be a constitutional observer.

Made by the member organization COPAL Minnesota, the handbook says that the role of observers is to observe and document law enforcement and inform people of their civil rights.

When it comes to ICE interactions, the handbook says to stay at least eight feet away from agents and to avoid any physical contact with them.

Observers are trained to record and document the number of people involved, they location, and whether ICE agents are in uniform or not and what equipment they are carrying.

“I think in the middle of crisis and hardship, you can find beauty in community. And I think this is a prime example of, in the middle of what feels heart-wrenching, we’re showing up with love, and we’re showing up collectively together. We’re meeting new people, and we’re making a commitment to stand firm for all of our neighbors here,” said Rep. Heather Keeler, (D) Minnesota.

An electronic copy of the handbook is available on the Immigration Defense Network’s website.