Bismarck Faith Leaders Rally for Immigrant Rights at Capitol Demonstration

North Dakota's immigrant community seeks more support from local residents, say organizers.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 12:54am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cinematic painting depicting a group of people gathered on the steps of a state capitol building, holding signs and banners in support of immigrant rights. The scene is bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, creating a quiet, contemplative mood.A peaceful demonstration at the North Dakota State Capitol calls for greater community support and protection of the state's immigrant population.Bismarck Today

Hundreds of people gathered at the North Dakota State Capitol in Bismarck on Sunday for a religious demonstration in support of immigrant rights. The event, called the Palm Sunday Path, was organized by local faith leaders and the nonprofit Bismarck Global Neighbors to show solidarity with the state's immigrant community, which has faced increased fear and uncertainty due to federal immigration enforcement actions.

Why it matters

The demonstration reflects growing concerns among North Dakota's immigrant population, particularly those from African countries, about feeling unsafe and unwelcome in their own communities. Organizers hope the event will encourage more locals to stand up for the rights and dignity of immigrant families.

The details

The Palm Sunday Path event featured worship leaders singing songs, reading Bible passages, and delivering sermons focused on themes of caring for the sick, feeding the hungry, and welcoming the stranger. Jasmine Tosseth-Smith, executive director of Bismarck Global Neighbors, said the federal government's immigration enforcement operations in nearby Minneapolis have caused many immigrant families in North Dakota to live in terror, with about 25 families still too afraid to go out in public.

  • The Palm Sunday Path demonstration took place on Sunday, March 30, 2026.
  • Federal immigration enforcement actions in Minneapolis that have impacted North Dakota's immigrant community occurred in recent months.

The players

Jasmine Tosseth-Smith

The executive director of Bismarck Global Neighbors, a nonprofit organization that helps immigrant families resettle in North Dakota.

Rev. John Muhorana

A Congolese immigrant and pastor at a Bismarck church that serves African immigrants, who has also been deeply impacted by the federal immigration enforcement actions.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We do not have to agree on everything to agree on this: human dignity is not optional.”

— Jasmine Tosseth-Smith, Executive Director, Bismarck Global Neighbors

“This is a very big revival.”

— Rev. John Muhorana, Pastor, Bismarck church serving African immigrants

What’s next

Organizers say they hope the Palm Sunday Path demonstration will inspire more North Dakotans to get involved in supporting the state's immigrant community and advocating for their rights.

The takeaway

The Palm Sunday Path event highlights the growing fear and uncertainty felt by North Dakota's immigrant population, particularly those from African countries, in the face of increased federal immigration enforcement actions. Organizers are calling on the local community to stand in solidarity and defend the human dignity of all immigrants.