Legal Disclaimer

This document has been prepared by the Usher Syndrome Coalition for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and the Usher Syndrome Coalition is not a law firm and does not provide legal services. The information contained herein reflects publicly available resources and is intended solely to help attendees make informed decisions about their travel and participation. Laws, enforcement policies, and local conditions may change. Individuals with specific legal questions or concerns about their immigration status or rights should consult a licensed immigration attorney or accredited legal representative. The Usher Syndrome Coalition makes no representations or warranties regarding the completeness, accuracy, or applicability of this information to any individual's circumstances.

USH2026 Connections Conference Attendee Safety Update (as of April 2, 2026)

We understand that some members of our community have concerns about travel safety, including recent news about federal immigration enforcement activities in the Twin Cities. Your safety, comfort, and ability to participate fully in the conference are extremely important to us.

Below is information about the conference location, attendee rights, and steps you can take if you ever feel unsafe.

Event Location & Transportation

The USH2026 Connections Conference will take place at the Radisson Blu Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, not in Minneapolis.

The hotel provides complimentary airport shuttle service between the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) and the hotel entrance. The hotel is located less than five miles from the airport (10-minute drive) in the Mall of America hospitality district, one of the most visited tourist areas in the United States.

Conference lodging, programming, and most activities are located within the hotel and Mall of America area, which means attendees generally do not need to travel throughout the metro area.

Local Safety and Security

The Mall of America district maintains a strong security presence, including:

  • Bloomington Police Department officers stationed at the Mall of America

  • Mall of America security staff

  • Radisson Blu hotel security

These teams monitor the area and are available to assist guests if needed.

Private Property and Safety Information

The Radisson Blu Mall of America is located on private property within the Mall of America complex.

In general:

  • Law enforcement agencies typically require appropriate legal authority, such as a judicial warrant, to enter private event spaces.

  • Hotel guest rooms are generally considered private spaces. 

  • Individuals in the United States have certain constitutional rights when interacting with law enforcement, including the right to remain silent and the right to request an attorney.

This information is provided for general awareness only and should not be considered legal advice.

If you encounter Immigration Enforcement (ICE)

If you have concerns about how to respond in an interaction with immigration enforcement, we encourage you to review trusted “Know Your Rights” resources, such as those provided by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights and specifically https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights. 

In general, attendees may consider the following options based on publicly available guidance:

  • Move to a location where you feel safe, such as inside the hotel or conference areas.

  • Seek assistance from hotel staff, conference staff, or on-site security.

  • Contact emergency services (911) if you feel unsafe.

Mall of America Security and the Bloomington Police Department maintain a presence in the area and are available to assist if needed.

We recognize that safety concerns affect each person differently. We are committed to sharing clear information and supporting attendees so they can make the decisions that are right for them.

Community Support

Our team is committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment for all attendees, across all identities, backgrounds, and communication preferences.

We understand that safety looks different for each person. We will continue to monitor local conditions and remain in close communication with the hotel and local partners. If any concerns arise, we will share updates with attendees in a timely and transparent way.

If you have questions, specific concerns, or need support in planning your travel, we encourage you to reach out to our team. We are here to help you make the decision that feels right for you.

We look forward to welcoming you to the USH2026 Connections Conference — whether in person or virtually.