Successful eviction defense of the Cruz family home in South Minneapolis. May 23rd, 2012.

For almost a month, the local Occupy Homes movement has maintained a presence in a foreclosed home in South Minneapolis. The house belongs to the Cruz family who are staying elsewhere since receiving their eviction notice. With the consent of the Cruz family, Occupy Homes has been using the house as a local social center while occupying the home and protesting an impending eviction.

On May 23rd, 5-6 sheriff’s deputies arrived at the house to carry out the eviction of the home. The deputies knocked down the back door and entered the home to find 5 people. Three of the people left peacefully, but two of them locked themselves together while straddling a window that led to a second story porch. While the deputies attempted to remove the remaining protesters, Occupy Homes alerted their network of supporters and soon there were over 50 people at the home. Some protesters blocked the street in both directions to raise awareness of the eviction, while others encircled the home, holding hands and banners to show support.

The deputies eventually gave up trying to remove the remaining protesters inside the home and left. Even more people locked themselves to the home in case more police officers were on their way. Eventually the Minneapolis Police Department came to deal with the blocked traffic, but then made an agreement with the protesters. The police officers stated that they were not there for the eviction and that they would leave if the protesters stopped blocking traffic. 

With all law enforcement gone, Occupy Homes declared the defense a success and continued on with the occupation of the home.