LERA’s Commitment to the 78th Annual Meeting:
In Solidarity with Minneapolis 

LERA has been monitoring the federal immigration enforcement actions in Minneapolis and surrounding areas. We proclaim our support for affected workers, families, and communities and acknowledge the enduring importance of immigrants in the U.S. working class. LERA is committed to holding the LERA 78th Annual Meeting as scheduled in Minneapolis, May 28-31, 2026 at the Royal Sonesta. 

The largest surge of federal agents faced by any city or state has waned. Minneapolis welcomes visitors and events, and its transportation and other infrastructure remains fully operational. Supporting local restaurants and other local businesses is an important way to help those harmed by the federal actions. We hope you will join us in coming together as a LERA community in solidarity with each other and the local community.

We recognize that each potential attendee must evaluate their own situation regarding travel before deciding to attend. We value all of you, including international visitors, and hope that you can re-engage with LERA next year if circumstances make it unsafe for you this year. 

The Royal Sonesta assures us that guest and employee safety are its highest priority. It requires a valid judicial warrant for any access by federal agents. The hotel has hosted multiple large conferences over the past two months, and indicates that their clients reported feeling very secure. The hotel has these enhanced security measures:

• Controlled Access: Guest room elevators are accessible only via key card, which restricts access to meeting spaces on the third level and has stanchions and private event signage on the second level to reduce foot traffic.

• Secure Entry: During specific hours or emergencies, the hotel entrance is restricted to guests with valid key cards; others may request entry via our video doorbell system.

• Increased Internal Security Staffing.

The Minneapolis Convention and Visitors Bureau has a FAQ page that will be updated if things change, and also has suggested tips for supporting local businesses.