Minnesota’s Literary Community Unites Against Federal Surge

The literary community in Minnesota is responding to the federal surge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol agents through a series of events aimed at raising awareness and supporting affected individuals. Following the announcement that Operation Metro Surge would be scaled back, Governor Tim Walz highlighted the negative impacts on local businesses and communities, emphasizing the “deep damage” caused over the past month.

In a powerful display of solidarity, writers and independent bookstores across Minnesota are sharing their experiences through various events this week. Central to this movement is Ian Leask, who has released “Ice Out: Minnesota Writers Rising Up,” the nation’s first anthology focused on the effects of the federal law enforcement presence. This compilation features prose and poetry from over 50 contributors, including poets, activists, and immigrants, along with illustrations by Robin Schwartzman.

Leask, who is the publisher at both Calumet Editions and Afton Press, managed to bring “Ice Out” to market in a matter of weeks. The book was finalized on January 31 and published on February 6, prioritizing the urgency of the content over perfection. “I wanted writers’ impressions, very raw stuff from on the ground, as it was happening,” Leask explained. He lives in south Minneapolis, an area marked by significant events such as the killing of George Floyd and other violence.

The anthology has received positive feedback from contributors. Julie A. Ryan, one of the writers, expressed her gratitude, stating, “Thank you for creating the cathartic emotional ride that I took through the anthology.” Leask, originally from London, draws parallels between his experiences with authoritarianism in his home country and the current situation in the United States. “I never thought I’d see this in America. I am aghast,” he remarked.

A celebration for the anthology will take place on February 24 from 4 to 7 p.m. at 6800 France Avenue in Edina. Additionally, on March 1, Tim Nolan and Leask will host a reading featuring contributors at Eat My Words bookstore in Minneapolis, with books available for purchase. All profits will be directed towards a history book about the immigration crackdown, set to be published in 2027.

In a parallel effort, authors Jess Lourey and Kristi Belcamino have organized “Authors for Minnesota Day” on February 24. This event involves over 52 authors signing copies of their books at 24 independent bookstores across the state. From noon to 4 p.m., readers can receive a signed book in exchange for a donation to the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota or the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota Immigration Rapid Response Fund.

The initiative aims to celebrate independent bookstores as community anchors while advocating for civil rights. Belcamino remarked, “Independent bookstores are more than places to buy books; they are where neighbors meet, ideas are exchanged, and communities learn how to stand up for one another.”

The idea for Authors for Minnesota Day emerged after Lourey recognized the efforts of local bookstores in supporting immigrant communities. She noted the swift response from authors and bookstores when she proposed the event. “Within hours, authors and bookstores across the state were in. That tells you something about Minnesota — we don’t sit around when our communities need us.”

Prominent authors participating in the event include William Kent Krueger, Shannon Gibney, and Bao Phi, among others. They will join forces to promote the cause and support the local literary scene.

Another notable event, “Minnesota Writers Respond,” will be held on February 22 at the Loft Literary Center, featuring a variety of local writers. This gathering aims to foster fellowship and provide a platform for voices amidst the ongoing challenges faced by communities in Minnesota.

For those interested in heartfelt narratives, the ongoing “Letter from Minnesota” series on Literary Hub showcases poignant reflections from various writers, including Angela Ajayi and Sun Yung Shin. One significant contribution comes from Charles Baxter, who highlights the historical role of poetry in political movements, calling for renewed literary engagement.

These initiatives reflect the resilience of Minnesota’s literary community in the face of adversity, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and solidarity during challenging times. As events unfold, the commitment to civil rights and support for local voices continues to resonate throughout the state.