Stories of Pets and Families impacted by ICE in Minnesota

Animal Shelters are seeing an increase in pet surrenders due to ICE activity in Minneapolis/St.Paul communities. Right now, we are receiving an increased number of requests for help with Minnesota animals — including last-minute cases tied to families impacted by ICE operations.

At The Bond Between, our mission is to support people and pets. We work hard every single day to keep animals and the people who love them together or find loving homes for those who need them. During these trying times in our community, we have seen an outpour of support, love, and generosity from near and far to support this work. 

The Bond Between has rescued animals for over 17 years, but the increase in surrenders, respite needs, and pet owners needing support due to ICE operations was unexpected. We are doing everything we can to be there for our community- both people and pets. This includes upping our owner's surrender case loads, increasing our respite foster care program, and distributing emergency food packs to anyone who may need help feeding their pets. 

Animals Rescue Stories from ICE’s Operation Metro Surge

Story of Gus

Meet Gus. We have never seen a recuse story like Gus until this year.  His family was recently detained by ICE and Gus was taken in by his neighbor. ICE came into Gus’ home and detained his owner- and as they were leaving, the owner shouted to the neighbor, “I give you permission to find a new home for my animal.” 

The Bond Between has connected Operation Metro Surge to at least a dozen surrendered pets that have come through its doors in recent weeks.The hardest part is, the animals are often taken in by a neighbor, with little information about where the owner was taken. The animals are scared and confused, just like anybody else would be... just like any human would be.

Story of Chapo

This is Chapo. His whole world was changed in an instant. Recently, his dad was deported by ICE, leaving Chapo confused, scared, and displaced. There was no time to prepare. No chance to explain. Just absence.

Chapo is one of the lucky ones! His dad's friend stepped in to care for him as long as he could. Providing care and some sort of stability during immense uncertainty. When that was no longer a viable option, Chapo came to us at The Bond Between. He is now in a foster home. Decompressing and adjusting.

It's absolutely gut-wrenching to think of a one-year old pup waiting for the only dad he's ever known to return home. Not knowing that he can't. We don't know what his little mind is thinking. All we know is that he needs patience, love, and support.

Keeping Pets with the People Who Love Them

For the many Minnesotans who currently feel unsafe leaving home, The Bond Between offers free emergency pet food kits and has so far distributed over 100 emergency food kits designed to feed pets for a month. We are keeping a consistent stock of pet food and basic essentials at The Bond Between Pet Food Shelf (located in South Minneapolis). Please visit us during our standard operating hours for assistance.

In partnership with local veterinary professionals, we are bridging the gap in pet care by providing:

• Core vaccinations and spay/neuter services to maintain community health.

• Urgent and sick-pet support for owners facing lost wages or restricted mobility.

• International health certificates (CVIs) to ensure families relocating abroad can keep their pets by their side.

We have spayed and neutered 11 pets that were directly impacted by ICE activity, vaccinated them, and given them microchips. 

If you know family or friends impacted by our current events, or need resources to keep their pet safe, please share The Bond Between Resources.

Thank you for helping us ensure animals are cared for, even when life becomes uncertain. Thank you for supporting your community. Thank you for showing up. Because of you animals will receive care, families will receive supplies, and more pets will get to stay with their humans.