Minneapolis Officials Address Immigration Concerns on Spanish Radio
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Police Chief Brian O'Hara appeared on Spanish-language radio station La Raza 95.7 FM Tuesday to address community concerns following a June 3 federal operation that caused fear in the Latino community.
The officials clarified that the June 3 operation at a Lake Street restaurant was a federal criminal investigation related to human trafficking, money laundering and drugs, not an immigration enforcement action. However, the heavily armed federal agents and tactical vehicles created panic in the Latino community, with many believing it was an immigration raid.
Our police in Minneapolis will not and will not help in immigration raids or when people are going to be deported," Frey said during the hour-long program hosted by Mariano Espinosa. "We will not cooperate with the federal part or things that will separate families and remove people from neighborhoods.
Chief O'Hara reinforced the department's separation ordinance, stating officers do not ask about immigration status or request documents from residents. He acknowledged meeting with federal agents the day after the June 3 operation to express concerns about how it was conducted and its impact on community trust.
The officials outlined several initiatives to support immigrant residents, including expanded legal immigration services, multilingual 311 services, and weekly office hours at 777 East Lake Street where residents can receive free consultations. They also announced plans for community meetings and a welcoming city campaign in multiple languages.
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Areas of Interest (4)
- The disconnect between city promises of 'sanctuary' and federal authority to conduct raids.
- Emotional and economic trauma inflicted on the Latino business community by tactical-style operations.
- The risk to public safety when immigrant communities fear calling 911 due to potential deportation fears.
- City officials' transparency efforts regarding their inability to stop federal immigration enforcement.
Notable Quotes (3)
Nuestra policía en Minneápolis... no va a cooperar con la parte federal o cosas que van a separar familias.
Si las personas en el grupo de inmigrantes les da miedo llamar a la policía... eso hace a todas las personas en la ciudad menos segura.
Nadie puede predecir lo que va a hacer Donald Trump, pero lo que ustedes pueden hacer o con lo que van a contar es que nosotros no vamos a participar.
People (3)
Jacob FreyMayor of MinneapolisLeading the city's response to federal actions and affirming sanctuary policies.
1 quote
Leading the city's response to federal actions and affirming sanctuary policies.
“Nuestra policía en Minneápolis no y y no va a ayudar en este cuando están en los las redadas de inmigración.”
Stating city policy on non-cooperation with federal immigration raids.
Brian OjaraChief of PoliceResponsible for MPD operations and clarifying the limits of his authority regarding federal agents.
1 quote
Responsible for MPD operations and clarifying the limits of his authority regarding federal agents.
“Yo no tengo la autoridad de parar a las fuerzas de agentes federales para que hagan este tipo de actividades.”
Addressing community concerns regarding his ability to stop federal immigration operations.
Mariano EspinosaHostHost of the radio program 'Mi Ciudad Minneapolis' on La Raza.
Host of the radio program 'Mi Ciudad Minneapolis' on La Raza.
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (2)
- June 3rd: Federal operation involving heavily armed agents and tactical vehicles near Central Market.
- Monday and Wednesday, 2-4 PM: Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs resource hours at 777 East Lake St.
Ordinances & Resolutions (1)
Prohibits police and city officials from inquiring about immigration status or legal documentation.
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
Impact of June 3rd federal operations on the Latino community
Minneapolis city policies on immigration enforcement
Clarification of Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) role vs federal agencies
Sanctuary city / welcoming city status and protections
Resources for immigrants with pending legal cases
Restoring community trust following traumatizing events
Public safety and police-community relations
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