Many Faces recognizes the important contributions immigrants make to all facets of our community. The United States immigration system is complex and difficult for people inside and outside of the system to fully understand. Many Faces continues to center our efforts on improving community understanding of lived experiences by bringing people together for conversation around this issue. To date, we have hosted 3 Understanding Immigration programs, and our work will continue.

Part 1: Immigration Basics & Human Rights

September 23, 2025

Many Faces hosted two public educational events in fall 2025 to explore the complex issues surrounding immigration. Community members were invited to join us to gain factual, accessible information that helps us better understand the challenges of the U.S. immigration system. The goal is to help community members better understand the challenges of the U.S. immigration system and the impact those challenges have on immigrant neighbors and friends. The events were held at Vadnais Heights Commons.

Below are recordings from Part 1 of the series.

• Julia Decker, Policy Director, Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, opened the evening with Immigration Basics, outlining the principles of U.S. immigration law, the various immigration statuses, and the rights and responsibilities associated with each.
• Professor Christopher Roberts Associate Professor of Law and Affiliated Faculty in Sociology at the University of Minnesota, followed with a presentation on Immigration and Human Rights, connecting laws, policies, and facts to the lived experiences of immigrants.

Part 2: Immigration Issues Panel

October 28, 2025

Many Faces hosted two public educational events fall of 2025 to explore the complex issues surrounding immigration. The goal of the programs was to help community members better understand the challenges of the U.S. immigration system and the impact those challenges have on immigrant neighbors and friends. The events were held at Vadnais Heights Commons.

Below is the recording of Part 2 of the series.

October 28 – Immigration Issues Panel
A panel of experts from diverse backgrounds offered multiple perspectives on immigration, providing a deeper look at current issues and their local implications. This session delved deeper into the complexities of immigration policies, challenges faced by immigrants, and the impact on society. The following individuals joined us for the panel discussion.

Daniel Calderon – Contreras Edin Law
John Choi – Ramsey Co. Attorney
Theresa Dykoschak – The Advocates for Human Rights
Andrew Hazzard – Sahan Journal
Mai Neng Moua – Mai N. Moua Law Office
Corleen Smith – International Intitute of Minnesota
Rick Storey – Community Member

Part 3: Operation Metro Surge – Where Are We Now?

April 30, 2026

Following the peak of Operation Metro Surge, we gathered to learn more about how experiences have changed since we gathered in fall of 2025, and discussed what’s needed now. The event was held at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi. 

Many Faces convened local leaders across sectors: mutual aid, faith, government, businesses, non-profits, education, and more. Pastor Mike Carlson of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church guided the program including two panel sessions and small group discussions. Panelists represented the following organizations: American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Bear Solidarity Network, City of Vadnais Heights, Ice Out White Bear Lake, Latino Economic Development Center, Northeast Youth and Family Services (NYFS), Ramsey County, Solid Ground,  St. Andrew’s Community Resource Center, St. Odilia Catholic Church Latin Ministry, White Bear Lake Area Food Shelf, and White Bear Lake Area School District.