Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has been traveling across the state this spring, hosting a series of town halls aimed at addressing a range of community concerns and defending the rights of Minnesota residents. These events are part of broader initiatives such as the “Protecting Minnesota Community Forums” and “Clean Slate Tour,” focusing on issues Ellison and his colleagues identify as threats to civil rights.

One of the most significant events took place in North St. Paul on March 20. The forum, part of a multi-state series of Community Impact Hearings, featured Ellison alongside attorneys general from New York, Arizona, Illinois, and New Jersey. The event was centered on the theme of “Executive Overreach” and highlighted the effects of federal policies implemented during the Trump administration. Community members shared personal stories about how they had been affected by funding cuts, job losses, privacy violations, and attacks on the rights of marginalized groups. Prior to the hearing, the attorneys general held a press conference emphasizing the importance of public engagement. The event was also live streamed to increase accessibility.

In addition to North St. Paul, Ellison hosted forums in Minneapolis, Rochester, Moorhead, St. Cloud, and Duluth. Each event focused on issues particularly relevant to its local community, including immigration, healthcare, and LGBTQ+ rights. In Rochester, a town hall drew over 200 residents, many of whom raised concerns about healthcare following a high-profile settlement with Mayo Clinic over charity care and debt collection practices. Ellison used the event to underline the significance of ensuring healthcare access and protecting vulnerable patients.

The town halls have also featured collaboration with other elected officials. At a recent event at Hopkins High School, Ellison appeared with U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison to discuss what they described as unlawful federal overreach threatening voting rights, climate policy, and key social programs. Both officials encouraged residents to remain engaged in the political process, run for public office, and use various forms of advocacy—including the arts—to promote civic awareness and action.

Throughout the forums, Ellison emphasized the importance of grassroots organizing and collective action. While his office continues to pursue legal strategies to protect civil rights, Ellison repeatedly stressed that meaningful change depends on an active and informed citizenry. “The rights of the American people won’t be saved in a courtroom,” he said during a recent town hall. “They’ll be saved in the hearts of the American people.”