St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her has navigated a tumultuous first month in office, marked by advocacy, community support, and the ongoing threat of federal immigration enforcement. Her election in November made history as she became the first female, first Hmong, first Asian-American, and first refugee mayor of Minnesota’s capital city. Despite her U.S. citizenship, Her carries her passport daily, a precaution born from the troubling reality of increased activity by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the area.
Her’s initial month has been a whirlwind of television interviews and legal challenges, as she grapples with the implications of federal policies on her community. St. Paul has seen ICE agents conducting door-to-door operations, targeting immigrants, including members of the Hmong community to which Her belongs. This has fostered an environment of fear among residents, many of whom feel unsafe, even those holding legal status.
As she addressed her constituents, Her expressed deep concern over the impact of ICE actions on small businesses. Many immigrant vendors report significant drops in sales, with some noting a decline of up to 70% in daily customers, as fear keeps potential buyers at home. “People are afraid,” she stated during an interview on PBS News Hour. “They are frustrated and they are angry.”
Legal Challenges and Community Support
On January 12, 2024, Her joined Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to announce a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This legal action aims to challenge federal funding cuts and the militarization of enforcement on city streets. Shortly after, they received subpoenas related to a federal Department of Justice investigation into their actions, underscoring the tense relationship between local leaders and federal authorities.
Despite these challenges, Her continues her duties as mayor. On January 28, she helped unveil a new smokey asphalt recycler, designed to aid public works in road maintenance, while also focusing on community engagement. Her commitment to support local immigrant businesses is evident, as she emphasizes the importance of “Shop Local” initiatives to bolster the economy.
During an interview on January 29, Her spoke about the heartbreaking stories she encounters, including a family that experienced severe anxiety due to ICE agents at their door, leading to tragic personal loss. “These are the things that happen that we don’t ever show other people, that we need to get done,” she remarked, highlighting the emotional toll of federal enforcement on her constituents.
Looking Ahead
Her has also made it clear that she is focused on strengthening city policies to protect residents from ICE actions. The St. Paul City Council is set to approve measures that would further restrict police cooperation with federal immigration agents, including banning ICE from staging operations at city-owned properties. Her believes that such actions are essential to ensure the safety and well-being of all St. Paul residents.
As her administration adapts to the complexities of her role, Her is committed to fostering transparency and responsiveness within her team. She acknowledges the possibility of forthcoming changes within her administration to better address the city’s needs and improve efficiency.
In her first month, Kaohly Her has emerged as a resilient leader facing significant challenges. Her proactive approach to community support and legal advocacy reflects a commitment to her constituents during a time of uncertainty and fear. As she continues to navigate her responsibilities, her focus remains on the well-being and security of all residents in St. Paul.
