Federal Enforcement Operations in Minnesota: Frontline Perspectives on the Human Rights Crisis

March 4, 2026, hosted by the Human Rights Center, parallel to the 61st session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland. This briefing with a delegation of lawyers and advocates from Minnesota focused on the latest analysis of the ongoing and lasting impact of US federal operations, including during Operations Metro Surge and PARRIS. Experts outlined the nature of violations and attacks on the rule of law, as well as the local civil society responses and short- and long-term accountability strategies. Speakers included Sarah Brenes, Executive Director, Binger Center for New Americans; Michelle Garnett McKenzie, Executive Director, The Advocates for Human Rights; Jan Conlin, volunteer, The Advocates for Human Rights; Dr. Calla Brown, Community-University Health Care Center; Jessica Klander, President, Hennepin County (Minneapolis) Bar Association. Framing considerations were offered by Mary Lawlor, UN Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders; and Lucy McKernan, UN Deputy Director, Human Rights Watch. Opening remarks provided by Phil Lynch, Executive Director, International Service for Human Rights. This event was moderated by Amanda Lyons, Executive Director, Human Rights Center, University of Minnesota Law School. This event was hosted by the Human Rights Center and co-sponsored by the Advocates for Human Rights, Binger Center for New Americans, International Bar Association Human Rights Institute, and International Service for Human Rights.