WINONA, Minn. — Citizens have been invited to become video-trackers and whistle-bowers against any incursion by ICE deportation agents into Winona County. The invitation was issued online on the site maintained by Winona Indivisible. Organizers are keeping a low profile and screening volunteers. “We need to be vigilant about how we grow this space to prevent trolls from joining and disrupting our efforts,” the announcement said. So far President Trump has deployed 2,100 ICE and other federal agents to Minnesota in an immigration crackdown. Agents have been reckless in detaining individuals, confirming suspicions that their targeting has been racist and xenophobic consistent with Trump’s racist rhetoric. Agents have been brutal in suppressing opposition. Last week a Minneapolis woman was shot three times in the face and killed inside her automobile. Citizen groups have formed nationwide to respond quickly to ICE sightings and video-record abuses on video and blow whistles to peacefully alert people to stay inside and lock doors. Nearest to Winona County have been ICE arrests in Rochester, where the ICE focus has been dark-skin persons of Hispanic or African descent.
Ethnic profiles
The 2020 census found these ethnic groups:
Fillmore County (Preston – county seat): Hispanic or Latin, 4%; black, 1%; mixed race, 1.6%.
Goodhue County (Red Wing): 4.5% Hispanic, 4.5%; black, 2%, mixed race, 2.5%.
Houston County (Caledonia): 4.5% Hispanic 4.5%; mixed, 2.5%.
Olmsted County (Rochester): Hispanic, 8%; black, 7.5%; mixed, 4%.
Wabasha County (Wabasha): Hispanic, 3.1%; black, 1%; mixed, 2%.
Winona County (Winona): Hispanic 6.3%; black, 3.2%; mixed race 2.5%.
In Wisconsin:
Buffalo County (Alma): Hispanic, 4.2%; black, 1.5%; mixed [, 1.5%.
Jackson County (Black River Falls): Hispanic, 5.5%; black, 1.5%; mixed, 2.5%.
Trempealeau County (Whitehall): Hispanic, 4.2%; black, 1.1%; mixed, 1.1%.