MN8

MN8 was born from Southeast Asian organizing and resistance against the hate that came directly from the last Trump administration in 2016, when our people in Minnesota were fighting for the release of 8 Cambodian-Minnesotans from ICE. The #ReleaseMN8 Campaign was created in response to the enormous mass deportations of Southeast Asian people across the nation. This crisis tore families apart and forced refugees to face double punishment and displacement. In 2025, the incoming Presidential Administration’s anti-immigration, and pro-deportation rhetoric is more violent and retraumatizing to many in our communities.  

2025 marks the 50th year of when Southeast Asian refugees came to the U.S. As we prepare for the challenges ahead, we must also reclaim and combat the harmful narratives around our own stories of diaspora. From the U.S. military intervention in Southeast Asia to the deportation machine, Southeast Asian refugees continue to face immense injustices. Our communities continue to be displaced and separated by war, violence, and US immigration law. The 50th year marks a sacred time for our communities to grieve, heal, and honor where we came from, how far we’ve come, and the future we’re building together. 

We’ve always known that change comes from people power and community organizing. The moment for political engagement happens every day and in how we embody resistance through our actions. We cannot wait for another presidential term for change - we must keep us safe. Now is the time to engage, build power, and organize together. 

By donating to MN8, your gift help us get one step closer to achieving our vision of creating a more just and joyful future for Southeast Asian Minnesotans. Our Give to the Max page is open until the end of the year! We welcome additional donations and would greatly appreciate it if you could continue to amplify our vision to your networks. Grassroots donations are very meaningful in strengthening our community. Your donation also allows us to gear up for the big fight ahead by:

• Supporting legal funds for immigrants facing removal orders
• Creating mutual aid streams for our most vulnerable community members
• Providing know-your-rights, safety, and direct action training for organizers
• Organizing rapid responses, actions, and campaigns to fight for immigrant rights