LEAF Stands with Immigrant Communities

LEAF works for a more just society that amplifies the voices and economic strength of those who, historically, have held less power in America. The need to stand with these communities has never been more urgent.

Like many across the country, we have watched in sadness as the Department of Homeland Security has occupied Minnesota, Maine, and so many other communities that welcome immigrants. At least nine people died under DHS supervision just last month: Alex Pretti, Renee Good, Keith Porter, Parady La, Heber Sanchez Domínguez, Victor Manuel Diaz, Luis Beltrán Yanez Cruz, Luis Gustavo Núñez Cáceres, and Geraldo Lunas Campos. Our hearts go out to their families and to all communities facing daily threats of detentions, deportations, and violence.

Minnesota is a hub for cooperative work and social justice, where LEAF has many friends, clients, and deep partnerships. We serve immigrant clients and employ immigrant staff. These malicious acts have personally and organizationally stressed us, and we continue to feel the range of negative emotions many of you have experienced in recent weeks.

The best remedy to despair or reactionary anger is productive action that opposes authoritarianism and works towards the equitable world we aim to create.

As a financial institution, we have specific tools that we are actively deploying. LEAF is reaching out to our borrowers in affected areas to offer forbearance, interest-only periods, or loan restructuring to businesses impacted by DHS activity.  We are developing protocols to support borrowers and staff who need assistance.

We recognize that these efforts are not enough to counter the current attacks on our communities.  We hope other organizations and individuals join us in using their tools and resources available to stand for justice, equity, and basic decency.

-The LEAF Team