The Minneapolis Police Department welcomed a groundbreaking addition to its ranks on Thursday evening, marking a significant milestone in the city's law enforcement history.
Lesly Vera, a permanent U.S. resident who migrated from Mexico at the tender age of four, became the city's first non-citizen police officer.
According to The Post Millennial, Vera's journey to this momentous achievement was not without its challenges. Prior to her graduation, she served as a civilian community service officer while simultaneously pursuing her law enforcement degree. Reflecting on her journey, Vera candidly admitted, "Im not going to say it wasnt challenging, because it was. I was basically the guinea pig. Nobody knew where to start. I did everything that everybody else did, provided the documentation and everything that I needed to provide. And I also put in the work."
Vera's motivation to join the force was fueled by a desire to represent her community. She expressed her sentiments to KSTP, stating, "I didnt see anybody that really looked like me, Latina. I want to have that face for my people." Her commitment to serve her community is a testament to the conservative values of individual freedom and responsibility.
Chief Brian OHara lauded Vera's dedication and commitment to service. He drew parallels between her journey and the long-standing tradition of immigrants serving in the military upon their arrival in the U.S. OHara noted that Vera's appointment was made possible due to a recent change in state law. He further added, "And certainly, somebody like Lesly, who has been here essentially her entire life, absolutely is entitled to protect her community in the same way as anyone else here has, and were honored to have her. And my opinion: she should be at the top of the list when it comes to citizenship."
Minnesota Mayor Jacob Frey echoed these sentiments in a statement, celebrating the diversity of the new generation of Minneapolis Police Department officers. He said, "Last night we had the honor of welcoming a new, diverse generation of Minneapolis Police Department officers. Our 23 new officers include the first Somali-American woman to join the department and the first permanent resident. A police service that looks like our residents is better able to serve our residents, and I couldnt be more proud of the department were building under Chief OHara."
The new recruits also include Ikran Mohamed, the first Somali-American woman to join the force. Like Vera, Mohamed is an immigrant, having arrived in the U.S. from Kenya at the age of 10. Prior to joining the MPD, she served as a correctional officer in Owatonna. These appointments underscore the department's commitment to diversity and representation, reflecting the city's multicultural fabric.
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