[music] Hello Bloomington. I'm Mayor Tim Busy and this is the council minute for the week of January 19th. No council meeting this week due to the MLK holiday, but I wanted to take a few minutes to talk about the recent federal immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota. Of course, it's the topic that's on everyone's mind, and the conversation could go many ways, but I'm mindful of the fact that this program is titled the council minute. So, what I'd like to do today is read out loud the statement that the Bloomington City Council released late last week. It's a statement that all seven members of the council had a hand in crafting and a statement that all seven members agreed to and signed their names to the bottom of. The statement is as follows. The Bloomington City Council affirms our long-standing commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive city where all people can live, learn, work, and engage with local government without fear. Public safety in our city depends on trust between residents and institutions. And our social and economic vitality relies on the contributions of workers, families, and businesses from diverse backgrounds. Recent federal immigration enforcement action in Minnesota, including the fatal shooting of 37year-old Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Minneapolis, have caused deep grief and concern throughout our region. The council acknowledges that these enforcement tactics are targeting people for reasons unrelated to legitimate public safety concerns and are wreaking real havoc on our friends, neighbors, businesses, and co-workers. Immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility and any enforcement must be administered fairly, consistently, and in full accordance with the United States Constitution. We strongly condemn mil militarized raids that terrorize families, destabilize neighborhoods, and erode trust in government. Such approaches weaken cooperation with local law enforcement and drive residents into the shadows, afraid to report crimes, seek medical care, or access essential services. Outcomes that directly conflict with Bloomington's values of safety, equity, and community well-being. We support the Bloomington Police Department that serves our community with respect, compassion, professionalism, and integrity. Local police are charged with protecting public safety, preventing crime, and building trust, not enforcing federal civil immigration law. We do not inquire about anyone's immigration status. And any person, regardless of status, should feel safe in calling 911 or contacting police, fire, and emergency services. A clear separation between local policing and federal immigration enforcement is essential to ensure that all residents feel safe seeking help, reporting crimes, and cooperating with investigations. If a resident is unsure whether someone claiming to be a law enforcement or immigration officer is acting legitimately, calling 911 is an appropriate way to seek assistance and help verify the situation. While the city lacks jurisdiction over federal immigration operations and cannot intervene in those activities, we can and should acknowledge these violations, and ensure residents are informed of their rights. The Bloomington City Council calls on federal leaders to immediately halt harmful enforcement tactics, respect constitutional rights, and pursue meaningful immigration reform that protects human dignity and public safety. We reaffirm our commitment to the dignity, safety, and rights of all who live in Bloomington. Public safety is built through trust, fairness, and humane policy, not fear, intimidation, or political posturing. Finally, the city council also calls for calm, care, and responsibility in how everyone speaks about and responds to these events. Language that heightens fear or tension, whether intentional or not, can make already difficult situations more challenging and places added strain on residents, public servants, and first responders. We believe leaders and community members alike share a responsibility to choose words and actions that promote deescalation, transparency, and the safety and dignity of everyone in our community. That's the official statement of the Bloomington City Council. I know some council members have offered their own thoughts on the matter and I certainly encourage them to do so. And I know some people watching are thinking, "Well, that's what you're saying, but what are you doing?" And that's a good question. First, in support of our community, the city has taken several steps to ensure residents have access to clear, reliable information and resources. We developed a community resources page to help connect residents with support during this time. We also launched a new website landing page with frequently asked questions about immigration enforcement, links to legal resources, and visuals showing the uniforms worn by city staff so community members can easily identify our personnel. Our port authority staff has begun outreach effort to businesses directly affected to offer encouragement and support. And I and the city manager and the chief of police have been part of a number of meetings and phone calls with mayors, managers, and chiefs from across the region to share perspectives and coordinate responses. At the same time, we're focused on supporting our employees. We continue to share information and guidance with city staff to support them in their work and to help ensure that city facilities, field activities, and day-to-day interactions remain as safe, consistent, and respectful as possible. And I and city manager Zach Walker attended multiple police roll call briefings last week to communicate our support directly to our officers. Much like the pandemic, the civil unrest following the murder of George Floyd, and the fear and uncertainty after the shooting of state legislators and their families, there is no real playbook for how to respond to large-scale federal immigration enforcement in our community. What we do have, however, are shared values and a community that continues to show up for one another. I want to thank the residents who have raised their voices through peaceful protest, the community groups and organizations that are helping neighbors in need, and the volunteers who are offering support and compassion during uncertain times. I also want to thank our police officers and city staff for carrying out their duties with professionalism, restraint, and respect for the people they serve. We may not have all the answers, but by acting with care, dignity, and mutual respect, we will continue to move Bloomington forward together as a community. Thanks for tuning in today. Until next time, stay safe, Bloomington.