08/08/2019
Today ~100 people gathered at noon in Minneapolis to hold a public memorial for the seven children who have died in the context of immigrant detention on the U.S. border over the last year.
We planned to hold our memorial -- organized by No Cages Minnesota, Twin Cities Democratic Socialists of America, and MIRAC - Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee -- inside Thrivent, a local investment bank that bills itself as ethical but is invested in the two main companies carrying out immigrant detention, CoreCivic and GEO Group.
When Thrivent realized we were coming, they put their entire building on lockdown. So we held our memorial on their front steps with employees pressed against the windows watching us from above.
We memorialized each child in turn with a eulogy and photographs, taking the time to absorb what immigrant detention really means for people who come here seeking asylum, freedom, security, or a better life, and instead find cruelty.
One of those employees wrote us after the action (quoted anonymously with permission):
"As a Minneapolis Thrivent employee, I was shocked when I heard over the intercom that the building was on lockdown during the demonstration. We all breathed easy when we finally heard that it was just a protest. However, had it not been for this event and resulting lockdown, I wouldn't have known about my company's investments in these terrible groups. It also resulted in my teammates and I having good conversation as we feel the weight of this ethical issue. I support your cause and will be on the lookout for opportunities both internally and externally to participate in getting the message heard. Thank you!"
We aren't done, and we won't stop until Thrivent divests from CoreCivic, Inc and GEO Group.
