A Minnesota city leader is under intense criticism after publicly encouraging residents to help illegal immigrants avoid federal immigration enforcement. The move has ignited a political brawl across St. Paul as videos of her remarks continue circulating online.
A Call To Resist Federal Operations
St. Paul City Council Vice President Hwa Jeong Kim posted a video urging residents to actively disrupt Immigration and Customs Enforcement efforts by delivering groceries to illegal immigrants and keeping tabs on federal agents’ movements.
“Today I’m kicking off one of our first mutual aid grocery runs in my neighborhood.”
The video, shared on her Instagram account, followed what she described as a sudden surge of ICE activity in the area.
“It’s not even noon, and ICE has already kidnapped five of my neighbors. I’ve responded to one where we believe a whole family was taken with children,” she said.
Claims Of Growing Federal Presence
Kim alleged that federal agents were saturating Minnesota communities.
“There are more federal agents in Minnesota than we have of the St. Paul and Minneapolis police combined. And yet, there are neighbors that are showing up in incredible ways like standing in front of known targeted businesses helping escort workers home,” Kim continued.
She reiterated that the so-called grocery runs were meant to keep fearful families supplied with food.
“Today I’m kicking off one of our first mutual aid grocery runs in my neighborhood, an easy way for folks to get involved, but it’s because the workers have been pulled over time and time again attempting to make deliveries to families that are too afraid to even go grocery shopping,” she added.
Kim also suggested her office was tracking federal agents at city-owned properties.
“If you see this, please record it to the best of your ability and submit to the Ward Five office,” Kim said.
Backlash Erupts Online
Critics accused Kim of encouraging interference with federal law enforcement. Social media responses came quickly and harshly.
“Who wants to tell her hiding indoors won’t stop ICE from enforcing the law?” one critic responded.
“Bending over backwards to serve those invading America. Traitorous. Send this idiot back with them,” another detractor said.
“Where do I apply?? Would it be illegal if I told ICE all the addresses I delivered to??” another account said.
A request for comment to Kim’s office about whether taxpayer funds were used for the initiative was not immediately returned.
Previous Tensions With Federal Agents
This is not Kim’s first clash with ICE. She previously demanded the arrest of a federal agent involved in the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, who authorities say blocked federal operations with her vehicle before driving directly toward agents.
St. Paul’s City Council has drawn national attention for its composition. According to the city’s website, every member is a woman. In 2023, St. Paul became the first major U.S. city with a fully female city council.
A Progressive Political Profile
Kim’s political endorsements highlight her alignment with the most left-leaning factions of Minnesota politics. Her website notes support from the St. Paul Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, the DFL Environmental Caucus, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and the Twin Cities chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America.
As the debate intensifies, supporters praise Kim as a compassionate local leader stepping in where they believe the federal government has gone too far. Critics argue she is crossing legal lines and putting public safety at risk. The clash has turned St. Paul into the latest battleground over immigration enforcement, activism, and local resistance.
