The Holland Neighborhood Improvement Association is unequivocally opposed to the ICE activities underway in our peaceful neighborhood.

As a 501(c)(3) organization, HNIA is prohibited from participating in or supporting any particular political campaign, and we take that directive from the IRS seriously. We do not often lobby for particular policies. We almost never make statements like this. Politics are relevant to our mission, but they are not our focus. HNIA frequently welcomes a forum of open discussion at our neighborhood meetings with a wide range of opinions.

However, we believe what our eyes are seeing. We are paying attention. We are grieving the loss of our neighbors. It is absolutely clear that these actions by ICE and DHS are detrimental to our entire neighborhood. Beloved Holland businesses have had to temporarily close out of fear of safety of their patrons and employees. Edison High School has been closed for two days. Neighbors are worried that they could be abducted at their home by gangs of unidentifiable armed men in masks. As demonstrated by the killing of Renee Good in Powderhorn, we are all less safe with ICE in our neighborhood. We are grieving with her family, friends, and neighbors for her loss, and we do not want the same thing to happen in Holland.

HNIA asks our Holland neighbors for shared support in contacting our representatives to ask for these “enforcement operations” to end immediately here in Minneapolis and elsewhere.

We encourage our neighbors to get to know and to connect with each other and to document any ICE activities they witness. We recommend our neighbors make a plan if ICE visits their home and/or workplace. And we recommend our neighbors understand their rights. From the Minnesota ACLU (not intended as legal advice):

  • You have the right to remain silent. If you wish to exercise that right, say so out loud.

  • You have the right to refuse to consent to a search of yourself, your car or your home.

  • Regardless of your citizenship status, you have constitutional rights.

  • You have the right to a lawyer if you are arrested. Ask for one immediately.

  • You have the right to record police actions as long as you do not interfere with their activities and are not breaking any other law.

HNIA is here to support our neighbors and help build connections with each other. As part of our mission, we demand ICE leaves our neighborhood and our city immediately.

-          Jacob Bertram, HNIA President

-          HNIA Board of Directors

Resources:  

https://defend612.com/

https://www.miracmn.com/

Holland Neighborhood Improvement Association:
supporting the people, places and artistic cultural hub within and around this vibrant, welcoming and creative community

HOLLAND NEIGHBORHOOD: the heart of northeast Minneapolis

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Meet the Board

  • Jake Bertram -President

    Resident since: 2022
    About Jake: Mechanical engineer in HVAC industry, interested in home improvement projects, walking our dog Margot, tennis & pickleball, homebrewing, Packers football
    Favorite Holland Restaurant: Hai Hai, Charrito Lindo
    Favorite Holland Activity: Going for a walk and getting a scoop (or two) at Dream or DQ

  • Chaz Mayo - Secretary

    Resident since: 2023
    About Chaz: Interested in theater, vintage belt buckle collecting, walking his small dog
    Favorite Holland Restaurant: Sunny’s Deli
    Favorite Holland Landmark: The "Giraffe House" on 5th St

  • Margie Siegel

    Resident since: 1999
    About Margie: Work in nonprofit management and Iyengar yoga student
    Favorite Holland Restaurants: Marty's and Dutch Bar
    Favorite Holland Activity: Walking the dog; getting a breakfast sammie at Marty's

  • Collin Sandoe

    Resident Since: 2016
    About: I live in Holland Neighborhood with my partner Michael. I like to garden, do yoga and squeeze in as many movies as I can in my free time. I have been the Kitchen Manager at a food business in N.E. for 9 1/2 years now. I got into that industry because I love to cook... and eat tasty food. I wanted to join the board to meet my neighbors and make a positive change in my community.
    Favorite Local Restaurant: Chimborazo on Central. I always order 2 orders of Muchín De Yuca first thing when I sit down. They're like giant cheese curds with yuca dough as the batter - delicious.
    Favorite Holland Activity: I love how easily accessible everything I need in life is by foot. My job, dentist, clinic, grocery store, garden store, gym, cinema, dmv... everything is easy to get to by walking. 2 miles max - I love it. I find it so relaxing.

  • Andrew Baumgartner

    Resident Since: 2025
    About: Pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in NE; brewer of extremely fussy coffee; wildly amateur home gardener 
    Favorite Holland Restaurant: Pizza and union-brewed beer at Fair State Co-op
    Favorite Holland Activity: Long walks and trying to ID every bird in the neighborhood by both sight and call

  • Zoey Slettehaugh

    Resident Since: 2023
    About: I grew up in the Kansas City area, went to the University of Iowa for school, and then moved to Minneapolis in 2020 to start work as a medical device engineer. In my free time I enjoy biking, kayaking, playing soccer, checking out live music, traveling, and trying new restaurants and breweries. I also have 2 adorable cats!
    Favorite Holland Restaurant: Tough question - we are so spoiled in northeast with great restaurants. I really enjoy stopping in to Marty's Deli for lunch.
    Favorite Holland Activity: My favorite thing about the Holland neighborhood is how walkable it is! 

  • Erin Kayser - Treasurer

    Resident Since: I've lived in NE for almost 10 years, and been a Holland resident for 5! 
    About: I work for the City of Saint Paul as  a Transportation Program Coordinator, I play roller derby with North Star Roller Derby, the rest of my time is devoted to a silly old dog, Pepito. 
    Favorite Holland Restaurant: Dream Creamery - how are those fries so good? 
    Favorite Holland Activity: Biking with pals!  

  • Mitchell Farmer-Lies

    Resident Since: 2023
    About: I moved from the Beltrami neighborhood to Holland two years ago. But I’ve been working in restaurants and operating an art studio in Holland for the last 5 years!
    Favorite Holland Restaurant: Hai Hai
    Favorite Holland Activity: Walking my dog, or biking around the neighborhood!

  • Jason Smith - Vice President

    Resident Since: 2009
    About: Work as a handyman, used to be a wilderness guide before settling down here.
    Favorite Holland Restaurant: Hard to pick a favorite restaurant, but I love sushi, so I'll go with Momo
    Favorite Holland Activity: Holland is blue collar with a large art community, and that makes me feel at home.

  • Darren Bouton

    Resident Since: 1982 with a couple breaks
    About: Lived in the 55418 ZIP Code for 37 out of 42 years. How things have changed but are still the same it’s still like living in a small town in the middle of the city.
    Favorite Holland Restaurant: El Taco Riendo
    Favorite Holland Activity: The arts and shopping on central Ave.