Wearing yellow vests, looking out for neighbors
What constitutional observers have been doing around Roseville
Over the last few months, you may have seen people wearing fluorescent yellow vests at various locations around Roseville, including in front of schools and on sidewalks outside of neighborhoods, in all kinds of weather.
What are these people doing and why? We found out for you.
These people in high vis vests are what are known as “constitutional observers.”
A constitutional observer is a volunteer who is trained to peacefully observe and document activities of federal immigration & customs enforcement (ICE) agents and their interactions with immigrants in the community. The observer’s goal is to ensure that an individual’s constitutional rights are being upheld and to record events in the event of a court case proceeding.
Organizations like Monarca and Immigrant Defense Network have held trainings and produced handbooks to assist trainees. By early February, over thirty thousand Minnesotans were trained to observe, as reported by Minnesota Public Radio. Monarca held a training on January 10 at Roseville Lutheran Church that drew over a thousand people.
Some observers serve in rapid response roles, driving to specific locations to observe active incidents or reports of ICE presence. Other observers take shifts keeping watch at regular locations throughout Roseville.
Keeping watch at local schools
One of the most frequent areas that constitutional observers have been stationed is the parking lot of Roseville Area High School.
“We are in daily contact with the observer leaders and have a positive relationship. The students, families and staff, have appreciated their presence. Their communication of concerns and responsiveness has been top notch!” RAHS Principal Jen Wilson said in an email.
Constitutional observers have been also kept watch over mobile home communities and neighborhoods where high numbers of immigrant families live. People wearing yellow vests continue to stand by during bus pick-up and drop-off times on many corners.
Who are the volunteers?
There are a variety of community groups and individuals serving as constitutional observers who prefer no public acknowledgement or attention due to privacy and safety concerns.
One person, a Roseville resident who has been volunteering as an observer outside of RAHS, agreed to share about his experience. We’ve honored his request to identify him by his initials. Here’s what DF had to say at the end of February:
The Roseville Reader: Who is a Constitutional Observer?
DF: "We are community members that are showing up with love, phones, and whistles to help ensure our laws are followed and our neighbors are safe. We are the people you want to live near because we will bring you extra tomatoes from our gardens or help clear your driveway after a heavy snow."
RR: What do you do as a Constitutional Observer?
DF: "The most important thing to remember is that we work hard to ensure we are acting legally. A big part of our job is to make sure that federal agents act legally as well, and to document when they do not."
RR: Are you trained?
DF: "Constitutional Observer training covers what we are legally allowed to do and not do, and emphasizes that we must act within the law. We are observing to help protect our neighbors and so that those who don’t feel safe right now can see that their community loves them and will help look out for them."
RR: How did you find out about the community group to serve?
DF: "As you connect with more members of the community, you learn about needs and opportunities to help. There are lots of needs right now and lots of ways people are working to show support and love for each other."
RR: What’s your day job?
DF: "I am a community member in Roseville and stay-at-home parent. I volunteer with a number of different organizations."
RR: What moved you to serve at your post?
DF: "I love our community, and it breaks my heart that people aren’t safe here right now. Poorly trained masked men and women with guns are driving recklessly in our streets and terrorizing people, even small children. They often act illegally and they make people prove they have a right to be here, even as they, themselves, will give little to no identification of who they are. Many of us who are able have stepped in to help defend our neighbors."
RR: How often are you observing at a location in Roseville?
DF: "That depends very much on the location. We always want someone there to observe at times when people are at risk or when our community has expressed concern. It feels ridiculous that we are living through this moment where we need community members to stand out on the sides of the road to ensure that people are safe enough to just go about their basic daily routines."
RR: What have you seen?
DF: "I have friends that have been aggressively harassed by agents, pepper-sprayed, seen children frightened by big masked men. I have been fortunate to avoid much of this. However, I see enough to know that this is not a safe situation. We are still in a tough place but Minnesotans are tough people. And I’ve seen people so thankful that they have neighbors willing to step up and help in times of need. Our love is powerful."
RR: What has been the response by the cars that drive by?
DF: "Responses are mostly positive. I get the occasional head shake or thumbs down, but I get many more waves, smiles, thumbs up and ‘thank yous.’"
RR: How long do you and your cohorts plan on observing? Operation Metro Surge supposedly has left the Twin Cities. Why are you still there?
DF: "Most of us plan to continue as long as there is a need. Though some things have changed and may be getting better by some measures, ICE is still here causing havoc. And when this is 'over,' many of us want to channel the momentum to continue to show up for each other and make our community even stronger."
Changes Ahead
As the number of ICE agents around the Twin Cities slowed down and detainment tactics changed, observers have stayed at their posts. Now that March is coming to a close, some of the volunteer shifts and locations for observing are changing too. However, local observers report that ICE agents continue to be witnessed across the Twin Cities and in Roseville.
“The situation has changed, which has led to changes in observing tactics. You will likely continue to see observers here and there, but likely fewer and less frequent at this point. But we will continue to look out for our neighbors and adapt as needed,” DF said in an email on March 20.
People across Roseville continue to stay vigilant, volunteering as observers, communicating on Signal, helping deliver food, donating to rent relief, and looking out for their neighbors.
Learn More
Anyone can report a concern or information about an incident involving immigration enforcement agents. The Monarca Rapid Response Line is 612-441-2881. The Roseville Police department also encourages residents to call 911 if they ever feel unsafe or witness something concerning in the community. Non-emergency reports can also be made online to the Office of the Minnesota Attorney General.
ICYMI
Naomi Dornfeld
Naomi Krueger
Kelly Lynn Graf
Naomi Krueger
