January 16 2026

As the President of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), which represents 450,000 members across Canada, I want to ensure all Minnesotans that you have our support and solidarity for your, Day of Truth and Freedom on January 23, 2026.

NUPGE is a union committed to peace, equity, and justice. We are horrified by the economic, mental, and physical violence Minnesotans have endured since Operation Metro Surge began – including the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent on January 7, an incident that has sparked protests and deep national concern about the use of force in these operations.

The deployment of thousands of federal agents and the escalation of militarized tactics have caused fear, division, and suffering. We reject actions that pull people from their homes, schools and workplaces without accountability or transparency.

President Trump is wreaking havoc, instilling fear, and dividing people. In addition to ordering over 3,000 immigration agents to Minnesota, he is now trying to invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807 to deploy the military without congressional approval. These actions are unconscionable.

Just as these tactics seek to pit neighbour against neighbour here domestically, we are seeing the same politics of fear exported internationally, through threats to sovereignty in the Americas — including Canada — and coercive actions around the world.

We know that Minnesotans and communities everywhere will continue to work together to protect and support each other. In the face of this brutality, people around the world are deepening their resolve to resist oppression, uplift peace, and build inclusion. We will meet violence with peace, hate with solidarity, and exclusion with acceptance.

On January 23, and every day, you are not alone. We are with you.