Ep 13- Minneapolis Company Defies Fear to Help Immigrants
What kind of person steps forward when everyone else is afraid to be seen? In Minneapolis, 28-year-old Jason Arce has turned his family’s towing company into a quiet lifeline for immigrant families, offering free tows for cars left abandoned after ICE agents pull drivers from their vehicles on snowy Minnesota roads. At a time when immigration crackdowns have shaken the city and sparked investigations and protests, Arce has publicly put his business, and his name, behind helping neighbors who suddenly lose everything in a moment.
“It’s just really about giving back and helping those families in need.”
OUR INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS
Galiana Towing's Support for the Immigrant Community
Jason Arce explains the company's mission to help immigrants and activists in Minneapolis.
He describes how the company started offering free towing services to help immigrants whose cars have been abandoned or taken.
Ted inquires about the number of tows performed, and Jason mentions they have done approximately 50 tows in a month.
Free Towing Services for Immigrants
Jason confirms that the towing services are provided free of charge to immigrants who have been abducted and taken into custody.
He explains that they have received many calls from local groups and individuals asking for their help in retrieving abandoned cars.
He details the radius of their service area, which includes Minneapolis, Chaska, and St. Paul, covering almost an hour-long tow service.
Challenges and Notifications
Ted asks how Jason's company is alerted to abandoned cars, and Jason explains that most of the time, the keys are not present, but they find ways to tow the cars.
Jason describes how they receive notifications from family members or people following ICE activities.
Ted inquires if Jason has provided similar services for other causes, and he states this is the first time they have done so.
Jason shares that the motivation behind the service is to help families going through difficult times and to provide one less thing to worry about.
Personal Background and Business Impact
Jason is Hispanic and a first-generation immigrant.
He explains that his family has been in the U.S. for approximately 30 years and is originally from Mexico.
Ted asks if Jason feels threatened by being public in support of immigrants, and Jason states they are not worried and stand firm on their beliefs.
Jason mentions that business has suffered during these tough times, with fewer calls for towing and repair services.
Personal Stories and Future Outlook
Jason shares that some family members are scared to leave their houses and use Ubers.
Jason expresses hope that ICE will go away soon and that things will return to normal.