Teresa Ortiz, Writer

On a sunny Saturday afternoon in south Minneapolis, about 400 Latino immigrants and their families, students, and members of the activist community marched for immigrant rights on February 16.

Chanting “Sí se puede” and carrying banners that read “No human being is illegal” and “We are all immigrants in the struggle,” the marchers walked several blocks from the corner of Chicago and Lake to the Walker Community Church as a response to immigration proposals presented by Governor Pawlenty January 7. MORE »

‘In Mexico, when I was with my parents and my children, we had wonderful Christmas. Even when we didn’t have much to eat —just beans and vegetables; even when we didn’t have money for buying gifts. We had parties with our neighbors. They’d bring tostadas, atole and tamales. We had a nativity scene. Somebody was elected to be the Godparent of Baby Jesus. We prayed the rosary. It was fabulous. Here it is different. Here I feel cold, not because of the cold weather, but because when you are away from family, there is no warmth.’ MORE »

The Minnesotano Media Empowerment Project reports on Minnesota media portrayal of Latinos and how close it comes to the Hollywood stereotypes. MORE »

It’s a story that’s been repeated over and over again: Impoverished Mexicans leave their country in search of a better life in the United States, only to find humiliations and mistreatment in exchange for a meager wage at backbreaking jobs. When these workers learn their rights and try to organize, they start to receive threats from their employers, including the threat of deportation. MORE »

On September 16, police action stopped a Latino celebration of Mexican and Central American Independence Day in Worthington, though organizers had a permit for the party in Chautauqua Park. The event—and the debate that followed—highlighted continuing tension between new and old residents, as well as efforts to work together. MORE »