We all deserve to live with dignity, safety, and access to the resources we need to thrive—regardless of race, religion, immigration, or class status. Unfortunately, this is not the reality here in Hennepin County, where Black, Brown, poor, queer, disabled, and people with immigrant or refugee backgrounds are disproportionately harmed by the county's public safety system. Elected officials like the County Sheriff shape this system and its consequences for marginalized communities; they determine who is surveilled, arrested, charged, and incarcerated. The Sheriff also chooses whether or not to enable Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) criminalization, detention, and deportation of immigrant community members. 

Electing leaders committed to real change is an important dimension of transforming Hennepin County's public safety system into one that values and protects all of us. That's why before voting this fall, we're getting to know the candidates for Hennepin County Sheriff. Over the summer, Decriminalizing Communities published a questionnaire with the candidates' positions on collaborating with ICE, the use of no-knock warrants, and ending mass incarceration. Now, we're continuing this conversation at a candidate forum on October 13. 

Note: This will be an in-person event with livestreaming for virtual viewing.