The Advocates for Human Rights

06/11/2026

We look forward to seeing everyone at the Human Rights Awards Dinner tonight!

When we come together in community, we are a powerful force for truth, justice, and human dignity. At this year’s dinner, we celebrate this courage, and we recommit to the work ahead. Together we share the stories that must be heard and mobilize to continue protecting families, strengthening legal defense, and building the historical record that will shape accountability and healing for years to come.

06/11/2026

'Surge' may be over, but administration's deportation push continues in immigration court

Several months after the declared end of Operation Metro Surge, the Trump administration’s mass deportation efforts are still moving forward in Fort Snelling Immigration Court.

06/11/2026

The auction closes today at 7PM. Be sure to place your bids!

Enjoy a collection of local favorites perfect for nights when you don’t feel like cooking. This set includes a $100 gift card to Lat 14, $50 to Nicollet Island Inn, and $50 to Pryes Brewing Company, offering a range of dining experiences across the Twin Cities. From the bold, vibrant Southeast Asian-inspired flavors of Lat 14, to the classic elegance and Mississippi River views at Nicollet Island Inn, and the relaxed craft beer atmosphere and elevated pub fare at Pryes Brewing Company, each location brings its own distinct experience to the table.

Bid online at https://app.auctria.com/Redirect/71ddf2db-a490-4dc8-9e1b-aa820a8ff3de/72c36084-8686-4253-afe7-4b0c74e39468?event=az-focus-item&data=72c36084-8686-4253-afe7-4b0c74e39468

06/10/2026

When immigration proceedings for Somali nationals were accelerated on extremely short timelines, making it nearly impossible for attorneys to prepare cases or represent their clients, Democracy Forward sued to protect fundamental rights, including the right to counsel and a fair hearing.

06/10/2026

Without public oversight, government actors can violate human rights with impunity. After nearly 10 years of our immigration court observation project, our volunteers have had obstacles placed in their way, limiting their ability to monitor public proceedings. Stinson sued the government to protect due process, government transparency and the First Amendment.

06/10/2026

When ICE was holding people at the Whipple Building in overcrowded conditions, obstructing attorney-client meetings, denying phone access, and rapidly transferring individuals out of state, Fredrikson and Democracy Forward sued to protect due process, the rule of law, and human dignity.

06/10/2026

When the Trump administration was sending armed ICE agents door to door to arrest members of our refugee community, whisking them to detention centers in Texas, and interrogating them without access to attorneys in an effort to terminate their status and deport them, International Refugee Assistance Project, Berger Montague, and the Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law sued, ending these abuses in Minnesota.

06/10/2026

Turn every head in the room and elevate your race-day, wedding, or high-fashion wardrobe with a piece of true wearable art by Twin Cities-based Karen Morris, an internationally acclaimed hat designer and milliner. Karen’s work has been featured at museums and fashion events, including the Smithsonian. Her work has appeared in Vogue, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, Pioneer Press, StarTribune, the Kentucky Derby Official Style Guide, and Churchill Downs magazine. Perch this darling on your head for your next gala, wedding, high tea, or party. You'll be the next Twin Cities high-fashion standout.

Bid online at https://app.auctria.com/Redirect/71ddf2db-a490-4dc8-9e1b-aa820a8ff3de/7ab6e1d9-fb4c-4d0e-85a7-62949aec61e3?event=az-focus-item&data=7ab6e1d9-fb4c-4d0e-85a7-62949aec61e3

06/09/2026

At 9 a.m., MPR News host Angela Davis will talk to Michele Garnett McKenzie (Executive Director of The Advocates) and Francisco Segovia (Executive Director of COPAL) about their organizations' experiences during the federal enforcement surge, what immigration enforcement looks like now, and what comes next.

It’s been five months since the peak of the immigration crackdown in Minnesota. Coming up at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, MPR News host Angela Davis talks with the leaders of two organizations on the front lines about what we learned and what comes next.