Standing for Justice and Economic Relief: GMWC Joins Faith in Action at the State Capitol

On February 18, 2026, community members, faith leaders, workers, advocates, and organizations from across Minnesota gathered at the Minnesota State Capitol for the Faith in Action Rally, March, and Action, organized by ISAIAH and Faith in Minnesota.

Held on Ash Wednesday, the event brought together hundreds of Minnesotans committed to advocating for immigrant justice, economic relief, and bold leadership during a time of uncertainty for many communities throughout the state.

The Greater Minnesota Worker Center (GMWC) was proud to participate in this important action. Our Organizing Director, Karin, attended in solidarity with Faith in Minnesota, ISAIAH, and the many community members calling on elected officials to respond to the urgent needs facing workers, immigrant families, renters, small business owners, and manufactured home residents.

A Call for Bold Leadership

Participants gathered at the Capitol with a shared message: Minnesota’s leaders must meet the challenges of this moment with courage, compassion, and action.

Throughout the rally, speakers highlighted the impact that immigration enforcement activities and economic instability have had on families and communities across the state. Attendees called on elected officials to take meaningful action to protect vulnerable residents and strengthen community stability.

A central focus of the event was urging public officials to publicly call for ICE to leave Minnesota communities and to support policies that protect immigrant families from fear, separation, and instability.

Participants also emphasized the need for economic policies that directly address the hardships many Minnesotans are currently experiencing.

Core Demands from the Rally

Community members gathered around several key demands:

• Accountability regarding federal immigration enforcement policies and their impact on Minnesota communities.

• An end to deportations that separate families and create fear among immigrant workers and residents.

• Bold economic relief measures that support vulnerable Minnesotans facing financial hardship.

• Financial support for manufactured home owners, renters, small businesses, and working families navigating economic uncertainty.

• Leadership from elected officials that reflects the needs and concerns being expressed by communities across Minnesota.

Throughout the event, speakers stressed that public policy should prioritize the well-being, dignity, and security of the people who call Minnesota home.

Faith Communities Leading the Way

One of the most powerful aspects of the rally was the visible leadership of faith communities from across the state. On Ash Wednesday—a day traditionally associated with reflection, compassion, and moral responsibility—participants gathered to put those values into action.

Faith leaders, community organizers, workers, and residents came together around a shared belief that every person deserves dignity, safety, and the opportunity to thrive.

The event demonstrated how faith communities continue to play a critical role in advocating for justice and standing alongside those most impacted by economic hardship and immigration policies.

We thank ISAIAH and Faith in Minnesota for their leadership in organizing this important gathering and for continuing to bring people together around a vision of justice, compassion, and shared prosperity.

Together, we will continue building the power needed to create stronger communities and a more equitable future for all Minnesotans.

In solidarity,

Greater Minnesota Worker Center