by As Operation Metro Surge continues, members of the West Side, a small community in St. Paul and even its mayor are stepping up to keep local business open and protected amid ICE activity.
“We started watching these doors and it just grew to the other businesses around,” said Santino Franco, a community advocate and lifelong West Sider.
Franco said he loves his community and feels like a protector of his neighborhood. So when he heard his neighborhood was being targeted by ICE, he needed to do something.
“For three straight weeks, we put in a lot of hours and it was exhausting, but we love our neighborhood and we’ll do what we can,” Franco said.
The West Side is a neighborhood in St. Paul that is home to the most active Latino community. Along District Del Sol there are multiple local Mexican restaurants and businesses, many of which have been targets of ICE.
Franco is just one of many other volunteers in the West Side who are offering their time to stand guard for the businesses they love.
Even the mayor of St. Paul, Kaohly Her, is lending a hand.
“I’m helping with locking and unlocking doors. I did a couple of grocery deliveries,” Her said. “I just showed up just because there was a call from one of the Latine groups that I was connected with and I just decided to show up to help.”
Bobby Cruz, the director of the West Side Boosters, a youth sports program in the West Side, has volunteered his time to organize this neighborhood watch.
“Kids are not going to school, parents are not working,” Cruz said. “People are not coming out and getting groceries, necessities.”
Cruz said he has seen firsthand how his community has been impacted by ICE.
“It’s hurtful, it’s hurting our community,” Cruz said. “Our community right now is under distress. Our community is not normal.”
Cruz said there are about 25 to 30 people who rotate in and out to stand watch. This has allowed businesses to stay open, compared to other stores like Los Ocampo, who have had to close multiple locations until further notice.
“People need to stand up,” Cruz said. “I don’t care what side you’re on. People need to stand up for what’s right.”
According to Franco, ICE is still present in the West Side, but has been decreasing since community members have been standing guard.
“Our mission hasn’t changed as far as keeping people safe, and we’ll always do that as long as we’re here,” Franco said.
