Minnesota Mom Launches Haven Watch for ICE Detainees

A Minneapolis mom noticed something heartbreaking outside the Whipple Federal Building: people walking out of ICE detention in the cold, confused and without their phones or a way to get home.

Sarah Haraldson had brought her two sons to support demonstrators a couple weeks ago when they spotted detainees being released at all hours. She decided scrolling through bad news at home wasn't enough.

"So many of us were sitting at home doom-scrolling, watching it on the news wanting to make a difference and this was a way to do that," Haraldson said.

She formed Haven Watch, a volunteer group wearing orange vests who wait outside the detention center with burner phones, warm spaces, and transportation. They help people call loved ones, get rides home, and collect donations for everything from food to rental assistance.

The work is emotionally intense. "Most people are upset, no matter how long they were in there and why they were taken in," Haraldson said. "I have had more grown men cry in my car in the last week than anyone should see."

The Ripple Effect

The mission hits close to Haraldson's heart. She has a 20-year-old son adopted from Ethiopia who is a naturalized citizen. Every day she worries he could be detained based on appearance alone.

That personal fear transformed into community care. Volunteers now provide car seats, coats, and basic necessities to help people rebuild after detention.

Haven Watch needs more volunteer drivers, but the message to every person walking out of that building stays consistent: you are loved, you are neighbors, you are family.

Haraldson believes if everyone does just a little bit, they can bridge the overwhelming gap between chaos and comfort, one ride home at a time.