Minnesota Neighbors: Not In Our Town New Film
Not In Our Town is now in production with Minnesota Neighbors, a new film profiling the brave actions of Minnesota residents during ICE’s Operation Metro Surge. Learn more and support the film.
As ICE operations spread fear and danger in the Twin Cities, Minnesotans show the power of kindness, courage and community-wide peaceful actions as they unite with immigrant neighbors. Their stories provide hope, inspiration and guidance for communities everywhere.
Context: Millions of people watched the escalating level of racial profiling and violence in Minnesota this winter with the brutal execution of ICE’s Operation Metro Surge. In the aftermath of two killings of U.S. citizens by federal agents, tens of thousands of Minnesotans used their voices, presence and know-how to stand in compassion with those who were harmed, and affirm their commitment to democracy and the rule of law.
NIOT’s film Minnesota Neighbors captures the beauty and strength of unity displayed by residents from every walk of life, ethnic background and religion who stepped into harsh winter streets at all hours to support their neighbors. The lessons from these moments are portrayed in the film by a chorus of characters who show what is at stake and also what is possible when a community unites for mutual aid. Portraits in the film include immigrants bravely speaking up, clergy, journalists, teachers, local officials, doctors, restauranteurs, unions, business owners and families who overcame their own fears to stand up–for each other and for our freedoms as Americans.
Showing the power of ordinary people: Most remarkably, this massive force of “neighboring” led to the current end of ICE’s brutal tactics and mass detentions in the region. The stories provide guidance, hope and inspiration for communities everywhere facing evolving threats in the coming years.
NIOT’s goal is to complete a short documentary by Fall 2026. In the meantime, we are cutting short clips that can be distributed on multiple platforms. Because of NIOT’s ongoing partnerships and relationships in schools and communities across the U.S., the film will be used in civic spaces and schools for years to come as an example of the power each person has to protect and defend their neighbors and community.
Your support for this film is urgently needed.
Donate to this nonprofit work here, and share the donate page with friends and fellow community members.
Reserve Space and Schedule Fall Screenings in Local Theaters
Will your community share and screen the story of Minnesota Neighbors in the Fall? NIOT plans to release the film for community events in October 2026. If your community can host an event in a local theater starting October 18, please send us a message. Info@theworkinggroup.org Subject Line: MN Neighbors Fall Screening Sign Up
Please be in touch if you have connections or ideas for funders.