The Advocate
Future of Us publishes
a monthly newsletters to keep you updated on our work
January 2026
FACING UNPRECEDENTED CHALLENGES
We know what this fight is really about,
and Minnesotans won't flinch from the truth
The Department of Homeland Security is conducting its largest immigration operation to date in Minnesota, now deploying an estimated 3,000 agents, including from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
But we know this is not about immigration enforcement. When armed and militarized government agents summarily execute civilians in our streets; kidnap and beat children; go door-to-door to hunt down immigrants; throw tear gas and flash bangs at peaceful protesters, witnesses and journalists, and offer money or legal aid to detained Minnesotans in exchange for names of protest organizers or to point out their Hispanic or Somali or Asian neighbors, we know that it has never been about the rule of law. We know that when convicted January 6 rioters and white supremacists are among the people carrying guns in the name of the Department of Homeland Security that it was never about the rule of law.
People should not have to be afraid to go to school, to work, to the grocery store, to a hospital, or to simply walk down the street because of the color of their skin. People are in hiding across our state, not because they have done anything wrong but because federal officials do not make a distinction between criminals and citizens, if you are a person of color. Asian Minnesotans and other people of color are carrying documentation to prove their citizenship because the U.S. government is trying to redefine being an American to being white. We have seen this before. And we know what that is called: racism.
Minnesotans are putting their lives on the line to embody the American values codified in the U.S. Constitution: the right to free speech, to peaceably assemble, to due process. Minnesotans are proving that to be an American is to protect our neighbors and to defend justice and decency.
We know that our fight is bigger than the boundaries of our state. We know the world is watching. We know that we are fighting for the rights of all Americans. As Rep. Becca Balint of Vermont said during a hearing held in Minnesota about the federal raids: You are the center of America's heartbreak "but you are also the center of America's courage. Minnesotans are doing it for all of us." Bostonians marched in 7-degree weather this past week, chanting: "We're not cold, we're not afraid. MN taught us to be brave."
We are proud of you, Minnesota. We are proud of the many Minnesotans who are showing great courage in the face of great fear. People like Renee Nicole Good, 37, a poet and mother, and Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse. Tens of thousands of Minnesotans have been trained as Constitutional Observers and others are working to keep our children safe at school, buy groceries for people in hiding, and organizing their friends and neighbors to speak out, stand together, and show up, even amid indiscriminate violence.
We stand united in action: 'ICE Out of Minnesota'
In community: Future of Us staff joined the 50,000 other Minnesotans who marched peacefully in -9 degrees on Friday, Jan. 23, to demand ICE agents end their campaign of terror and leave the state. Our office will also be closed this Friday, Jan. 30, in honor of a general strike and rally in downtown Minneapolis to demand justice for Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good.
Minnesota Senate holds hearings
on Operation Metro Surge
The Minnesota Senate Subcommittee on Federal Impacts to Minnesotans and Economic Stability held a subcommittee hearing on Thursday, Jan. 29, about the Department of Homeland Security's ICE raids' impact on Minnesota and its economy.
“We are not broken. We are not tired,” said Sen. Erin Maye Quade, DFL-Apple Valley. “We’re going to stand in the gap forever for our neighbors. But this must end, and then we must repair.”
Future of Us team members attended to show solidarity with the nearly two dozen members of the community — lawyers, local officials, residents and organizers — who shared their stories about how federal agents have terrorized the community.
ThaoMee Xiong, Executive Director of the Coalition of Asian American Leaders, testified how she has three degrees, two of them from Ivy League institutions, and yet continues to see Asian Americans' contributions and value to the United States questioned. "When will we be enough?" she said.
Chase Iron Eyes, an attorney with Sacred Defense Fund and member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, testified that his tribe is still uncertain where tribal members, mistaken as immigrants, are being detained by immigration authorities. “These are houseless relatives,” he told the committee. “Their names are unknown, so at this time, we don’t know where our people are.”
Maye Quade noted that only Iron Eyes and other Indigenous are the only Americans who are not immigrants.
Dr. Bjorn Westgard, an emergency physician with Regions Hospital, said people are afraid to seek medical help. “Emergency room and clinic visits are down 20 to 25% across many of our health systems, and that’s a conservative estimate,” he said.
The hearing opened with testimony from John Boehler and Teresa Nelson, attorneys with the American Civil Liberties Union in Minnesota, and Julia Decker, Policy Director at the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota. Boehler said they have received 500 reports of constitutional violations and 96 court orders in the state.
Senators Carla Nelson, a Republican from Rochester, and Jordan Rasmusson, R-Fergus Falls, said Democratic leaders should get both sides to calm the situation. Nelson said the responsibility of "leaders is to steady things, not to inflame them."
Sen. Alice Mann, DFL-Edina, called out that perspective. She said, "We keep hearing repeatedly this asking both sides to work together in good faith and come up with solutions. To ask for unity at a time when one side is actively the aggressor, actively committing violence against peaceful protesters, actively committing violence against black and brown people inside their homes, actively committing violence against children in schools, this has never been about violent criminals. This has ... never been a both-sides issue. This is about racism. This is about a racist government that is hunting black and brown people regardless of immigration status and regardless of criminal history. ... I very respectively ask that people stop playing the both-sides card because when you do that without pointing to where the violence is coming from, you are squarely on the side of the oppressor today."
About 50 state senators from 13 other states — Wisconsin, Montana, Utah, Colorado, Illinois, Rhode Island, Georgia, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon and Tennessee — also gathered at the Capitol to listen to on-the-ground accounts.
No action was taken at the hearing, but some lawmakers said they are considering legislation about immigration enforcement in Minnesota.
We're making space for you if you want to share your story
We want to hear from you: If you have been affected by the ICE operations and are willing to share your story, please contact us at info@futureofusmn.org or provide your information in the form linked below. We want to know your story so we can better meet the needs of our community. We also know that it is a scary time to step forward and we will honor your wishes if you want to share your story privately with us.
OUR MISSION FOR 2026
Facing a critical moment, we need to engage Asian Minnesotan voters
Field Manager Noah Chan
One of my main priorities this year is to connect with Asian Minnesota voters in creative ways that are authentic, connect to their day-to-day life, and move them to action — like what we witnessed in 2025, when Minnesotans voted in municipal elections at record levels.
Our democratic institutions are under attack and national threats are pounding down our doorstep. We are seeing mass deportations and legal challenges to birthright citizenship and the electoral process, most recently earlier this month when the Supreme Court ruled political candidates have the legal standing to challenge election laws before voting or counting starts.
Minnesota needs trusted and strong leaders who can honor and protect our Asian communities. That mission will guide my strategy to activate voters for November's mid-term elections through phone canvassing, door knocking, Get Out the Vote drives, and a gubernatorial candidate forum. (It's not too soon to put a reminder on your calendar to vote on Tuesday, Nov. 3, because there's a lot at stake. On the ballot will be all 435 seats of the U.S. House; 35 of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate; all the seats in the Minnesota Senate and House; all Minnesota's executive officers, such as the governor's seat; several judicial seats, and several seats for local offices.)
My other main priority is building new partnerships and strengthening current coalitions to amass people power and collectively engage more voters to take action and engage young people to be involved in civic transformation.
I'm excited to apply what I have learned as an organizer to make real change in my community!
We need to energize youth in the civic process, hold our leaders accountable
Advocacy & Policy Manager Tenzin Choesang
My strategy for our Advocacy & Policy arm for 2026 involves a two-pronged approach: accountability and engagement.
What does accountability look like? Accountability is holding our elected officials answerable, sharing with them the stories of on-the-ground experiences of Asian Minnesotan youth and urging them to take stronger stances to protect our vulnerable communities. I will be keeping a close eye on legislative priorities and will be attending hearings, such as Thursday's Minnesota Senate Rules and Administration Select Subcommittee on Federal Impacts to Minnesotans and Economic Stability, shown above. We heard testimony about how the violence from federal immigration agents is harming Minnesotans. State senators from 13 other states — Wisconsin, Montana, Utah, Colorado, Illinois, Rhode Island, Georgia, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon and Tennessee — also gathered at the Capitol to listen to on-the-ground accounts.
In terms of engagement, we will provide opportunities for Asian Minnesotan youth to participate in the civic process, to empower their voices and engage directly with their elected officials. One such opportunity is our "Claim Your Power: API Youth at the Capitol" event this May 11. I am busy getting the details organized for this event where Asian youth will be able to engage with their elected officials on immigration, voting and citizenship issues. Stay tuned for updates!
Investing in people, organizing for power
Organizing Manager Tori Westenberg
In 2026, my strategic priorities are focused on building up and strengthening existing partnerships
at Future of Us. By fostering and maintaining relationships with other non-profits, coalitions, organizers, and our community members, we can grow our understanding of what AAPIs in Minnesota are needing in this moment, and reach a wider audience with our civic-engagement, advocacy, and youth-leadership programming. It's become increasingly clear to our team how essential it is to find ways to listen, connect, collaborate, and find unity with one another.
Organizing people power means investing in the people that make this work possible and empowering them to take action, tell their stories, and advocate for change. That's where my focus lies, both for now and the foreseeable future.
SPECIAL ELECTIONS
DFL wins both special elections
in Minnesota House
Two DFL candidates won separate special elections on Tuesday, Jan. 27, which restores a tie in the Minnesota House ahead of the upcoming legislative session beginning in mid-February.
In District 47A, Shelley Buck, a Prairie Island Indian Community tribal council leader and president of Owámniyomni Okhódayap, ran uncontested in the Democratic-leading district, which includes part of Maplewood and Woodbury. She replaces Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger, who won a state Senate seat in November.
In District 64A, Meg Luger-Nikolai, a labor attorney, filled the seat vacated by St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her. She beat Republican business owner Dan Walsh by a margin of 90.9%, 95.28% vs 4.36%, according to the Minnesota Secretary of State. That marks a more than 23% swing toward the DFL compared to when Her beat Walsh in 2024 with 83.2% of the vote vs. Walsh's 16.6%.
What it means in the House: The House returns to a 67-67 tie, which means the House will operate under the current power-sharing agreement. Rep. Lisa Demuth, a Republican, remains House Speaker and both parties will co-chair most committees.
In the Minnesota Senate: Democrats hold a one-seat majority, 34-33.
December 2025
Future of Us wins
prestigious honor
“You meet the needs of your community where they are, bringing resources and education outside the four walls of your office space. Future of Us’ voter outreach work is very worthy of this recognition.”
Secretary of State recognizes 'outstanding voter outreach'
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon has honored Future of Us with a 2025 NASS Medallion Award. The award was established by the National Association of Secretaries of State to honor individuals, groups or organizations for outstanding service and dedication in civic engagement.
Simon said he was honoring Future of Us in recognition of the organization’s “outstanding voter outreach work to youth and Minnesotans of Asian American heritage. Your organization thinks outside the box on how to best service the needs of the Asian American community, including by re-granting funds to youth groups to ensure that young people are and remain fully engaged in civic society. FoU shows excellent attention to nuanced election laws to ensure that the communities that you serve have full and complete information on their voting rights. You meet the needs of your community where they are, bringing resources and education outside the four walls of your office space.”
Executive Director Linda Lelis-Her said: “I want to express our gratitude to Secretary Simon for recognizing nearly a decade of civic and community organizing work dedicated to empowering young Asian Minnesotans and strengthening civic participation across Minnesota. Since 2016, our voter education, engagement initiatives, and leadership development programs have been rooted in a simple belief: when young Asian Americans are equipped with tools, confidence, and opportunities to lead, they transform not only their own futures but the future of our communities and our democracy. This award affirms the commitment of the youth organizers, partners, and stakeholders who have worked alongside us to ensure that every young person –– regardless of background –– has access to accurate information, meaningful engagement, and a pathway to civic leadership.”
Former recipients of the award include Former Vice President Walter F. Mondale, former Minneapolis Mayor Donald M. Fraser, former Minnesota Gov. Al Quie; the Minnesota League of Cities, and CAPI USA.
Celebrating a year of transition
'It's been a whirlwind of political chain of events'
Future of Us had a year of evolution, including a new name that reflects our mission to help empower young Asian Americans to create transformational social and justice change in Minnesota. We hosted events to foster building community; sponsored mayoral candidate forums in Minneapolis and St. Paul; held our second annual Asian Youth Justice Summit; lobbied for the passage of the MN ERA to create an amendment to codify equality; testified at the Capitol to support the state's ethnic studies requirement; phone banked and canvassed to Get out the Vote; tabled at job fairs; advanced our youth grantee programs; supported our coalition partners and LGBTQI+ community; facilitated training sessions to advance inclusion, equity and empowerment; sharing narratives through our #MNrepresentASIANS series, and held firm to our commitment to stand, in celebration and protection, with all immigrants in our communities. Here are some highlights:
"As I reflect on the year, it's been a whirlwind of political chain of events all awhile intentionally building a team of staff members who possess skills and talents to contribute to the structures of much needed work such as the Equal Rights Amendment and Get Out The Vote efforts during this year's Twin Cities' municipal elections, including an unfortunate State Special Election.
While intentionally building a team and work culture of psychological safety, coaching, managers manage across, up and down just to name a few, we embolden our team members to develop autonomy, develop decision-making skills, hold space and crucial conversations with one another around accountability, using a transformative approach. And we will continue to develop bold people towards a better future through our advocacy and organizing efforts."
Associate Director Zong Vue
Advocacy & Policy Manager Tenzin Choesang
"Although this was the first year we had a formal Advocacy and Policy program at Future of Us, 2025 has been jam-packed with community events, engagements and activities. From speaking at the MN Equal Rights Amendment (MN ERA) Rally in January, testifying before the State Government Finance and Policy Committee in support of the MN ERA in April, and working with youth and empowering and training them to be organizers throughout the year, the Advocacy and Policy program hit the ground running.
I also met with more than 24 elected officials, from state House and Senate members to City Council members, with the intent to build our relationships and hold them accountable as representatives of the people. With the intent in ensuring our communities are empowered and visible, I'm looking forward to all that 2026 has in store!"
"This year, my work was centered around connecting young, Asian voters in Minnesota with their current and future leaders. My team of inspiring phone canvassers called Asian voters throughout the year to better understand their concerns and empower them to vote.
We hosted a Minneapolis mayoral candidate forum with Communities Advancing Prosperity for Immigrants (CAPI), Believe in What's Possible (BIWP), and the Asian Pacific American Resource Center (APARC), and partnered with the Coalition of Asian American Leaders (CAAL) on their St. Paul mayoral candidate forum. Both were an opportunity for voters to learn about their next leaders and how to rank them in the Nov. 4th election. To ensure that people knew about that election and casted their vote, we hosted a two day Get Out the Vote effort on Nov. 3 and Nov. 4, where our community partners and volunteers called thousands of voters in the Twin Cities.
As a first-year organizer, I am so appreciative of everyone who helped us achieve our goals and everything I've learned!"
Field Manager Noah Chan
"This year, I'm thrilled to have joined Future of Us as their new Organizing Manager. With the help of my wonderful team, we held our second annual Asian Youth Justice Summit, a full day of workshops designed to empower young API individuals to step up as leaders. We also held social events to celebrate API culture and connection, including teaching how to make momos, dumplings from Tibetan and Nepali culture, and Som Tum, the Thai and Lao salad made from green papaya. And we tabled at youth spaces such as Q-Quest to broaden our youth advocacy efforts.
In the new year I'm looking forward to continuing to build our base and advancing API political and social power in Minnesota!"
Organizing Manager Tori Westenberg
'Defending the rights of our families, our communities'
“We belong here. We contribute here. We vote here. We lead here. And with you by our side, we will build a Minnesota where all Asian families are safe, represented, and able to thrive, today and for generations to come.”
Future of Us is entering into 2026 with a clear and urgent mandate:
To ensure Asian Minnesotans are safe, protected, and fully empowered in our democracy — led by the bold and visionary leadership of our youth. Across our communities, immigrant and refugee families continue to face real threats — from ICE raids and anti-Asian violence to escalating attacks on voting rights and citizenship. But Minnesota’s Asian youth are refusing to be sidelined. They are organizing, speaking truth to power, and defending the rights of our families, our communities, and our future.
In 2026, we are launching a youth and people empowerment campaign to protect the safety and democracy of Asian Minnesotans and our neighbors:
Respond to immigration enforcement and protect the safety of Asian Minnesotans
Defend voting rights and citizenship for Asian American and immigrant communities
Invest in youth leadership development, ensuring young people become the changemakers shaping policy and narrative
Strengthen multiracial solidarity across organizations and coalitions statewide
Thank you for your continued support and belief in youth power. Together, we are organizing toward a future rooted in safety, dignity, and democracy.
In solidary,
Linda Lelis-Her, Executive Director, the Future of Us team, and Board of Directors
Give to the Max: Thank you for your generous giving
We are grateful to all our donors who so generously support our efforts to make Minnesota stronger by developing Asian American leaders. We know there are many worthy causes and we are profoundly thankful you chose us durig Give to the Max Day on Nov. 2
With your generosity, we raised $9,321 toward our $10,000 goal! Your donations will go directly toward supporting our annual Asian Youth Justice Summit, which focuses on youth organizing and leadership development, fosters dialogue on political activism and social justice, and gives them skiils to work toward building an inclusive, safe and equitable future. We want to respect our donors who wish to stay privated, but we thank them and our other donors including:
Pat Thompson, Kong Vang, Crystal Lee, Celestine Xiong, Kate Wittenstein, Terri Thao, Jodi Bantley, Ivy Bea Hebert, Jean Zempel, Nkaujsua Xiong, Mark Peifer, Nancy Lo, Catherine Preus, May Yee Chen, Krisanunt Petcharawises, and Emily Disalvo.
The Andersen Corporate Foundation has long been committed to supporting nonprofits to help strengthen communities and improve lives. The Foundation has donated more than $70 million while supporting nonprofit organizations in housing, health care, hunger relief, and education. That is why we are proud and grateful for their donation of $1,250 through its Business Impact Group, Asian Cultures Together. In a time when some companies are scaling back their investments in the community, Andersen Windows & Doors continues to support small nonprofits focused on grassroots organizing. Thank you, Andersen!
Thank you, Andersen Windows & Doors
Saint Paul & Minneapolis Foundation highlights Future of Us’ efforts
to support democracy
Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation spotlighted Future of Us' work to empower young Asian Americans to actualize their identities and power as well as develop leadership and social justice skills; to get young people active in the election process with our Get out the Vote efforts; and creating spaces of community and skills building through our youth grantee program, Asian Youth Justice Summit, and AAPI Youth Day at the Capitol. Here is an excerpt of the article by Communications Specialist Chris Garner:
In a time marked by political polarization, misinformation and a sense of disconnection, organizations like Future of Us are lighting the way for young Asian Americans to find their voices, build community and become agents of change. “I saw the need to create a space for young Asian people to feel a sense of belonging, being able to feel empowered to create change in their communities,” said Linda Lelis-Her, executive director of the Future of Us. “And so, the Future of Us is to make sure that young people are equipped and represented at all levels in our communities.”
For nearly a decade, the Future of Us has made it its mission to harness the power of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) voters in Minnesota and elevate the voices of marginalized communities — especially youth and LGBTQIA+ individuals. “The backbone of our work is civic engagement,” Linda said.
Change in the Next Generation of Asian Leaders
Spotlight on the Equal Rights Amendment
Tenzin Choesang
Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan
'The passage of the state ERA would be a great victory'
Future of Us' Tenzin Choesang talked to Gender Justice about the importance of passing the MN Equal Rights Amendment, especially in a time of rising national threats to access reproductive health care.
Future of Us works with the UnRestrict MN and MN4ER Coalitions to advocate and inform community members about the importance of the MN ERA, which protects against discrimination on the basis of race, where you came from, ability sex, gender, and choices regarding bodily autonomy. This amendment would codify in Minnesota that reproductive rights are human rights.
“The passage of the state ERA would be a great victory not only for the immigrant community, but for all Minnesotans. ... It would also show our community that our government also prioritizes the protection and needs of those most vulnerable and in danger of exploitation,” Choesang said.
Future of Us has worked with community members to host MN ERA sessions to educate API youth about how the MN ERA would affect them. We are planning to work with community partners to increase awareness, including informational sessions, online content, and an API Youth Day at the Capitol this spring.
In our community
Supporting Q-Quest: 'It was uplifting and energizing'
Future of Us was proud to table at Q-Quest, an event for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and LGBTQ-allied youth to enjoy workshops, food, activities, art, connect with resources, and be in community with other vibrant youth.
The event Nov. 5-6 at the Minneapolis Convention Center engages more than 1,000 youth annually. Organizing Manager Tori Westenberg talked with more than 50 youth about our organizing, programs, advocacy, and volunteer opportunities. "It was uplifting and energizing to connect with so many young leaders in the making, as well as with so many other organizations doing similar or aligned equity-based work!" Westenberg said.