Minneapolis officials have enacted a new ordinance prohibiting the use of city-owned lots and ramps for federal immigration enforcement activities. This decision, approved by the City Council and Mayor Jacob Frey, aims to limit the presence of federal agents, including those from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in local communities.
The updated ordinance, passed earlier this month, explicitly states that “no federal, state or local government entity or personnel is authorized to use any city-owned or city-controlled parking lot or ramp, vacant lot, or garage as a staging area, processing location, operations base, or any other similar use for enforcing federal immigration laws.” This language defines a staging area as a location for assembling vehicles and personnel for such operations.
This move follows an executive order signed by Mayor Frey on December 3, 2023, echoing similar sentiments regarding the city’s stance on immigration enforcement. The ordinance now mandates that Minneapolis officials report any involvement of public safety employees in assisting federal officers with immigration investigations. These reports will be submitted to both the City Council and the mayor.
Both Minneapolis and its neighboring city, St. Paul, have established ordinances that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. While Minnesota lacks a formal “sanctuary state” designation for undocumented immigrants, the recent actions reflect a growing resistance to federal immigration policies at the local level.
As ICE operations targeting Somali immigrants commenced in the Twin Cities earlier this month, reports from CBS News indicated that more than 400 individuals, described by Tricia McLaughlin, the Department of Homeland Security’s assistant secretary, as “illegal aliens including pedophiles, rapists, and violent thugs,” were arrested during these operations. The current status of those detained remains unclear.
On December 16, 2023, thousands participated in a significant protest against immigration enforcement, marching over a mile along Minneapolis’ Lake Street corridor. This demonstration underscores the heightened tension surrounding immigration issues in the region and reflects the community’s commitment to advocating for immigrant rights.
The updated ordinance and the accompanying public sentiment signify a determined stance by Minneapolis officials and residents against federal immigration enforcement, aiming to foster an environment of safety and support for all community members.
