Hundreds Attend Constitutional Observer Training in Moorhead

Minnesota's Immigrant Defense Network organizes event to 'strengthen community readiness, solidarity and response'

Jan. 28, 2026 at 10:39am

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More than 350 people gathered at a Moorhead church for training on how to be constitutional observers in the event of increased federal immigration enforcement actions in the Fargo-Moorhead region. The training was organized by the Immigrant Defense Network, a coalition-based organization founded in Minnesota a year ago to address heightened federal deportation efforts.

Why it matters

The training comes amid a crackdown by federal ICE agents in the Minneapolis area, with the Immigrant Defense Network aiming to prepare communities in the Upper Midwest to document and respond to potential immigration enforcement actions in a lawful manner.

The details

The Immigrant Defense Network has held 30 similar trainings across the region as part of its 'Brave of Us' tour. The training instructs participants on the role of constitutional observers, who are tasked with lawfully documenting ICE actions, informing people of their rights, and providing support resources. The training forbids escalating situations through civil disobedience.

  • The training took place on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
  • The Immigrant Defense Network has held over 30 similar trainings across the Upper Midwest in the past 15 months.

The players

Immigrant Defense Network

A coalition-based organization founded in Minnesota a year ago to address heightened federal deportation efforts and advance the constitutional rights, dignity, and safety of immigrant communities.

Edwin Torres

The manager of the Immigrant Defense Network who led the training and shared personal experiences witnessing ICE abuses in Minneapolis.

Shelly Carlson

The mayor of Moorhead who gave a welcoming speech at the training.

Heather Keeler

A Democratic-Farmer-Labor state representative from Moorhead who spoke at the training.

Michelle Webber

The pastor of First Congregational UCC in Moorhead who led a moment of silence for those killed while observing ICE enforcement.

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What they’re saying

“May their commitment be remembered, may their names be a blessing, may their sacrifice be the thing that keeps our toes warm, our whistles blowing and our feet marching in the right direction.”

— Michelle Webber, Pastor, First Congregational UCC

“Now I carry my green card, and because I used to be a good Catholic boy, now in my mid-30s, I'm starting to wear a rosary as well. I'm scared.”

— Edwin Torres, Manager, Immigrant Defense Network

“This is not about the worst of the worst. This is not about a list that they have. This is not about people with criminal records. This is not because we're a hotbed for undocumented immigration in our state. This is political, and we are the testing ground for what they can get away with.”

— Edwin Torres, Manager, Immigrant Defense Network

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This training highlights the growing community efforts to document and respond to increased federal immigration enforcement, raising concerns about civil liberties, public safety, and the politicization of immigration policy in the region.