Hundreds learn to become constitutional observers in Moorhead

News | January 27th, 2026

By Bryce Vincent Haugen

More than 300 people gathered at Trinity Lutheran Church in central Moorhead on Jan. 27 for “constitutional observer” training. Led by the Immigrant Defense Network and supported locally by the West Area Labor Council and the Northern Plains United Labor Council, the event — part of a statewide tour — focused on training attendees to be the most effective documentarians of federal immigration enforcement activities.

Lead trainer Edwin Torres DeSantiago quoted a famous line from “1984” by George Orwell; "The party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command.”

Torres DeSantiago said the point of constitutional observation is to bear witness. “We are the eyes and ears, so they can’t tell us what we saw didn’t happen,” he said.

The approximately two-hour training included proper procedure for documenting federal immigration enforcement activities, the difference between administrative and judicial warrants, informing people of their 4th, 5th and 6th Amendment rights and various other related topics. Organizers passed out “The Handbook for Constitutional Observers.” The guide defined the role of a constitutional observer as follows: 1. Observe and document law enforcement interactions; 2. Inform individuals about civil rights and due process; and 3. Share support resources.

“This is not training for non-violent civil disobedience,” Torres DeSantiago said. “The goal here is to observe and document.”

Torres DeSantiago advised the crowd to not obstruct immigration agents. The lawyers, he added, would take it from there.

Kevin Salisbury attended the workshop. He said it’s essential to be prepared for if and when ICE and Border Patrol start targeting local residents.

“Minnesota is under siege and we need to do what we can to document all the things that are happening,” he said. “The abuse of civil rights just has to stop.”

Immigrants, Salisbury added, contribute greatly to our community.

“Many of them are here legally and they’re still getting taken,” he said. “What’s happening to them is just wrong.”

“The way that we heal through tragedy is community organizing, loving each other and fiercely standing up for each other,” Moorhead’s State Representative Heather Keeler (DFL-District 4A) said, “And when I say all of our neighbors, I mean all of our neighbors.”

The Immigrant Defense Network, according to the guide, is “a growing, Minnesota-based coalition of 90+ nonprofits, grassroots groups and advocates.” It is “developing new rapid response and movement building strategies through deep collaboration and coordination.”

Reach reporter Bryce Vincent Haugen at brycevincenthaugen@gmail.com.

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