Tenants Call on Minneapolis City Council to Override Mayor’s Veto on Eviction Protections
Minneapolis, MN — During a press conference on March 12, 2026, near eviction court in the Hennepin County Government Center, renters, tenant union members, and elected officials gathered to speak about the importance of an eviction moratorium following Operation Metro Surge, the deadly multi-month-long federal occupation of Minnesota.
Twin Cities Tenant Union Member Charlie Tirey said the eviction crisis has arrived. Twin Cites Tenant Union Member Charlie Tirey joined the movement after the union formed in response to a mass deployment of masked federal agents that forced renters to shelter in place.
Tirey said the eviction crisis has arrived. “The eviction crisis is no longer looming. It is here. It is unconscionable,” said Tirey. “It is spiraling out of control, and it is the consequence of politicians like Jacob Frey who will betray the working-class people of this city at every opportunity.”
Frida Tellez Mercado said through her translator Rebecca Strong that she was disappointed that Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey vetoed the pre-eviction notice.
“We know we have to pay rent, but when we’re forced to stay home from work and the communities are being violated,” said Mercado. “It’s unfair and in unjust, the landlords don’t care if we cannot pay the rent.”
Mercado called on Michael Rainville, LaTrisha Vetaw, Pearll Warren, Elizabeth Shaffer and Linea Palmisano — the five council members who voted against the ordinance to reconsider their votes and override the veto.
Minneapolis Ward 2 City Council Member Robin Wonsley apologized as a city leader for “not meeting the moment.” She spoke about how Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey vetoed a temporarily eviction notice extension from 30 days to 60 days.
Last week Minneapolis City Council passed the extension with seven votes — two short of a veto. On March 24, Minneapolis is set to consider overriding Frey’s veto.
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