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Around 8:40 a.m. Tuesday, the Immigrant Defense Network got word of a possible immigration enforcement taking place at a home in St. Paul. In less than 10 minutes, a legal observer was at the scene, with a goal of verifying if U.S. Department of Homeland Security or ICE agents were there. Once confirmed, it set off swift, widespread outreach for rapid response of more constitutional observers. 

The Immigrant Defense Network is a coalition of more than 100 community organizations statewide, with a goal of protecting the constitutional rights and safety of immigrant communities in Minnesota. Edwin Torres Desantiago, Immigrant Defense Network manager, has been involved since right after President Donald Trump’s 2024 election. 

For Torres Desantiago, this work is personal. He was undocumented for 25 years.

“I've lost family in this system of deportation,” he told Minnesota Now guest host Chris Farrell. 

In the last year, Torres Desantiago has helped lead the coalition to train more than 2,500 community members to respond to immigration actions as legal observers. 

“Their job is to document, ask about warrants, observe whether rights are being respected and capture evidence that later can protect families inside the courtrooms,” said Torres Desantiago. 

On Tuesday, about a dozen trained legal observers arrived to the Payne-Phalen neighborhood. They identify themselves when speaking to law enforcement. And they are trained specifically not to obstruct law enforcement and not to engage in civil disobedience.

“Our No. 1 goal is to make sure that the families or the individuals impacted in the surrounding areas have the knowledge and the rights in case they get picked up,” said Torres Desantiago.

Torres Desantiago is in touch with family members of the man who was arrested by ICE on Tuesday. 

“They don't feel safe. They don't know if someone's going to come back and look for them.”

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation with Farrell and Torres Desantiago. 

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When community got word about a possible immigration enforcement taking place in the Payne-Phalen neighborhood, constitutional observers were first to jump into action. 

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How rapid response teams mobilized during the St. Paul ICE operation

Wide shot of a crowd gathered behind a line of police tape while officers stand in a group.

How rapid response teams mobilized during the St. Paul ICE operation

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