Surge in federal agents prompts ramp up in constitutional observer trainings

Immigrant advocates respond to surge in ICE operations

Immigrant activists are responding to the large influx of ICE agents coming into the Twin Cities. FOX 9's Maury Glover has more.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - The Immigrant Defense Network kicked off a series of constitutional observer trainings in St. Paul to help document the crackdown on undocumented immigrants.

‘It’s a really scary time'

What we know:

Mary Moran has seen federal ICE operations in the Twin Cities first hand.

But now she wants to take a more active role in documenting what's been happening for the last few weeks.

"I feel like I'm an ordinary person and I have the ability to do something, so I need to do it," said Moran.

‘I can be a witness’

The backstory:

Moran is one of about 100 people who turned out in St. Paul Tuesday night to be trained to be constitutional observers during the current crackdown on undocumented immigrants in Minnesota.

The Immigrant Defense Network says citizens have a legal right to observe immigration enforcement actions and are being taught how to document what they see, either in writing or with their phones.

"People have a right to observe. As long as they are not intervening and staying at a safe distance and being compliant, you can ask questions. Why are you here?" said Edwin Torres DeSantiago, with the Immigrant Defense Network.

The group says similar trainings will be held in 30 cities across Minnesota in what it is calling the Brave Of Us tour.

Organizers say constitutional observers play an important role in making sure detained individuals are identified and know their rights and that their families can get connected with legal or other support if needed.

"Right now people are afraid there is a lot of fear and what we need to do is bring the fear down," said DeSantiago.