Pause Evictions Save Lives

This letter is going to Chief Judge Kerry Meyer and Court Administrator Sara Gonsalves.

Welcome back, Geri!

Not Geri? Wrong recipients? Click here.

Write to
Court Administrator Sara Gonsalves
Chief Judge Kerry Meyer

Your Letter

I am writing to demand immediate action to protect our neighbors by (1) delaying eviction proceedings and (2) moving all eviction hearings online.

Since the start of Operation Metro Surge, thousands of immigrant families have been forced to shelter in place. Many have lost income due to being unable to work or the detention/deportation of loved ones. As rent payments fall behind, eviction filings are rising — even as families are trying desperately to secure rental assistance and keep their homes, we are moving our community deeper into crisis.

Continuing eviction court in person under these conditions puts families in an impossible position. We have seen many people detained by ICE in the Hennepin County Courthouse, confirming real concerns from our communities where tenants are forced to risk detention or family separation just to defend themselves in court, on top of the threat of losing their housing. Moving hearings online and delaying proceedings would reduce harm, allow rental assistance to reach families, and prevent avoidable displacement and homelessness. Our courts know how to do this, and we urge you to use every tool available during this community-wide crisis.

You have the authority to act now. We urge you to pause eviction proceedings, move hearings online, and protect families while our community mobilizes resources to keep people housed. As the Housing Justice League and as constituents who care about our neighbors, we ask you to use your power to prevent unnecessary evictions and keep families safe and together.

Thank you for your consideration,

Pause Evictions Save Lives

Write to

Court Administrator Sara Gonsalves

Chief Judge Kerry Meyer

Your Letter