Four local leaders to accept Profile in Courage Award on behalf of Twin Cities
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The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation has named four community leaders to accept the Profile in Courage Award on behalf of the people of the Twin Cities at a ceremony May 31 in Boston.
The Twin Cities were named for the award in March. The foundation previously cited residents' peaceful resistance to Operation Metro Surge, which the Department of Homeland Security described as the largest federal immigration enforcement action in U.S. history.
The four local leaders who will represent the broad coalition of residents honored for their response to the federal immigration enforcement surge are:
Imam Yusuf Abdulle, co-founder of the Somali American Leadership Table
Natalie Ehret, founder of Haven Watch
Carolina Ortiz, associate executive director of Comunidades Organizando el Poder y la Acción Latina (COPAL)
Zena Stenvik, superintendent of Columbia Heights Public Schools
The foundation highlighted the group for their leadership during the widespread enforcement operation.
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Abdulle helped convene the Somali community in response to federal enforcement actions.
Ehret, a veteran and mother, founded Haven Watch after witnessing people released from an ICE detention facility without phones, clothing or transportation.
Ortiz helped coordinate a network of more than 100 organizations and the training of 30,000 constitutional observers during the operation.
Stenvik spoke out publicly after students in her district were detained, pushing to keep schools protected spaces.
Caroline Kennedy and Jack Schlossberg said the honorees reflect "the courage of those who serve in all areas of government- and those who believe in it," adding that this year's award recognizes moral courage demonstrated across society, not just in elected office.
The ceremony will be held at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston.
