The religious leader who symbolizes resistance to ICE in Minneapolis: What Trump had in mind was ethnic cleansing'

"When Pastor Sergio Amezcua realized in early December that Donald Trump's decision to send federal agents to launch an anti-immigration operation in a city (Minneapolis) and a state (Minnesota) with a much lower percentage of migrants than in other, Republican-led states was imminent, he told his assistant: We have to prepare. We'll have to help the families; let's send a message on social media."

"Amezcua thought that about 10 or 20 people would sign up. He also thought the government occupation would last about two weeks. Two thousand families responded, the pastor explained Sunday night in an interview with EL PAIS at his church on the outskirts of Minneapolis. Nearly two months after that double miscalculation, some 28,000 families have already registered for their assistance program, 16,000 of whom have received aid."

"The phenomenal operation has taken everyone by surprise and has tested the solidarity of a city where some 3,000 federal agents remain deployed, thousands of people have been deported or detained and two Americans, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, have been killed. Both were members of a citizens' movement protesting against an unprecedented anti-immigration operation. Amezcua's program distributes 100 tons of food weekly. Food donations are received on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Monetary donations are channeled through the website and are mostly small, around $25."

Pastor Sergio Amezcua mobilized a massive aid operation in Minneapolis after federal agents were deployed in an anti-immigration operation. An initial expectation of 10–20 signups and a two-week occupation proved wrong as 2,000 families responded quickly and, nearly two months later, about 28,000 families registered with 16,000 receiving aid. Volunteers distribute roughly 100 tons of food weekly, receiving donations on Tuesdays and Thursdays and organizing deliveries Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Supplies include vegetables, legumes, milk, chicken, cereal, bread, salads, toys, and diapers. Monetary donations are processed through a website and average about $25. Fundraising for rent assistance is the next priority.

Read at english.elpais.com