A Minnesota “Equity” Group Uses Taxpayer Money to Aid Anti-ICE Protesters
A non-profit organization in Minnesota, which receives substantial funding from state taxpayers, is now actively seeking donations for a bail fund that supports individuals arrested during protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and those who are in the country illegally.
The Legal Rights Center, an organization previously led by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, promotes the People’s Bail Fund of Minnesota through its “Know Your Rights MN” project. This project is designed to provide legal advice and resources to activists. The Legal Rights Center has received close to $6 million in government funds.
The People’s Bail Fund of Minnesota, which recently gained non-profit status, openly states on its Instagram account that it is “accepting requests for ICE protest cases.” This raises concerns about whether taxpayer dollars are being used indirectly to support activities that some may view as disruptive to law enforcement efforts.
Records from the Minnesota Attorney General’s office reveal that the Legal Rights Center has received almost $5.7 million in grants from the government between 2021 and 2024, representing about two-thirds of its total income. While the exact source of these funds (federal, state, or local) isn’t specified, the organization’s website acknowledges the state as a financial supporter. Public records show at least $400,000 of this funding came as sub-grants from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
This situation has come to light amidst increased protests in Minneapolis related to ICE activity in the region. Some view these protests as disruptive and potentially dangerous, with reports of agitators being arrested on charges ranging from assaulting law enforcement to disobeying lawful orders.
Critics argue that using taxpayer money to support a bail fund for those arrested during such protests sends the wrong message. They contend that it could encourage further lawlessness and undermine the efforts of law enforcement to maintain order and enforce immigration laws.
Concerns have also been raised about the Legal Rights Center’s partnerships with other organizations, including the Minnesota chapter of the National Lawyers Guild. The national organization defended the recent terrorist attack on Israel.
The “Know Your Rights MN” project, linked to the Legal Rights Center, offers guidance on protest activities and interactions with law enforcement, including pushing to end cash bail. These actions have sparked debate about the role of taxpayer-funded organizations in shaping public discourse and influencing policy on sensitive issues like immigration and criminal justice.
Many believe that government funds should be used to support law enforcement and uphold the law, not to aid those who may be breaking it. The situation in Minnesota raises important questions about the appropriate use of taxpayer money and the extent to which government-funded organizations should be involved in politically charged activities.
