Sweets, songs and solidarity in latest Willmar, Minnesota, rally – West Central Tribune

WILLMAR

— Songs, sweets and a hope to help neighbors in need brought dozens of people together Sunday iin Willmar at a demonstration against Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The rally was intended as a way to raise funds for immigrant families who are struggling with basic needs, including food, utilities and rent.

Alongside the fundraising efforts, protesters sang together. Hosted by the music group Rise Up Singing, music was a centerpiece of the event Sunday to “Show Up + Show Love” for immigrant neighbors. The gathering began in the city parking lot at Fourth Street and Trott Avenue Southwest.

“Music has the power to speak in a way different from just a voice. It brings people together. Music has been used historically throughout protests and resistance worldwide, for us it is a chance to express ourselves in a different way,” Rise Up Singing organizer Libbie Anderson said.

Rise Up Singing is a branch of the Singing Resistance, an organization founded in January of this year in opposition to ICE’s presence in Minnesota. These singing groups are meant to connect community members through song as they protest.

“We meet to sing the songs and spend time together thinking about how we want our world to look someday,” one of Rise Up Singing’s organizer Kim Sombke said.

The organization does not have an official membership system. Anyone is welcome to join. According to Anderson, the group’s Facebook page has around 140 members with around 60 people showing up to rehearsals at a time.

Levi Jones / West Central Tribune

After months of protest and ICE operations in Minnesota, a drawdown was declared as some number of ICE agents and other federal officers assisting them left the state. However, for some the issue is not resolved.

“I guess I am not convinced that ICE is really out. Perhaps the number of officers has dwindled, but it seems to me like their presence is still pretty strong. Our neighbors are still in fear. Until our neighbors aren’t in fear any longer, until they feel welcome here, because they belong here, but until they feel that, I think we’re gonna keep showing up,” Sombke said.

Levi Jones / West Central Tribune

In order to support community members afraid to leave their homes, Rise Up Singing raised funds through freewill donations. A table of cupcakes and other baked goods was available to attendees where they could make donations.

The funds go directly to families who need help meeting basic needs. Funds help pay for rent, food and utilities. The funds were distributed by a member of Rise Up Singing.

Immigrant families “are doing the best they can, but, they have limited resources. … This is a way to give people a practical method of helping,” Anderson said.

The event concluded with a march into downtown Willmar ending at the corner of Fourth Street Southwest and Litchfield Avenue. Attendees brought signs to display as they marched and more signs, whistles and pins were available to anyone who wanted them.

Levi Jones is the West Central Tribune’s business reporter. After growing up in the Twin Cities, Jones attended Hamline University for journalism and media communications. After graduating in 2020, Jones has worked as a reporter covering anything from sports to politics.