Brooklyn Park Council Maintains Tran Censure, Reviews Immigration Policy
The Brooklyn Park City Council voted Monday to maintain all provisions of Council member Maria Tran's censure during a required six-month review, while also addressing public concerns about police immigration enforcement policies.
The council unanimously decided to continue the censure imposed in June 2024, which restricts Tran's communications with city staff, removes her from committees and commissions, and prohibits city-funded travel. The censure stemmed from an employee complaint that resulted in an independent investigation finding Tran violated the city's code of conduct and respectful workplace policy.
During the review, city staff reported two potential violations since the original censure: an August 2024 email disparaging city officials and employees, and October 2024 public allegations against Police Chief Brewley during a council meeting. Tran defended her actions and characterized the censure as politically motivated retaliation.
Separately, four residents addressed the council during public comment requesting changes to Brooklyn Park Police Department policy 413, which allows officers to detain individuals and alert federal immigration authorities. Police Chief Brewley is reviewing the policy with the Community Multi-Agency Team (CMAT), with results expected by February 10.
The council also honored former Mayor Grace M. Paulson, who passed away in December 2024, with a resolution recognizing her extensive contributions to the city during her service from 1993 to 2002. Additionally, the council approved cannabis licensing fees and tabled a decision on Tran's request to attend a National League of Cities training course pending clarification on whether it violates censure provisions.
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Areas of Interest (5)
- Pressure builds on the City Council to revise Police Policy 413 regarding immigration enforcement.
- Community activists cite discrepancies between Brooklyn Park’s policy and other cities like Minneapolis.
- Mayor Winston resists calls for a public declaration, citing potential federal targets for the city.
- Public concerns raised over sewer billing equity for properties lacking standard water connections.
- Concerns regarding transparency and police conduct reach the City Council floor.
Notable Quotes (3)
The reversal of their diversity, equity, and inclusiveness initiatives isn't just troublesome or worrisome. I find them to be obscene.
I think that we should leave enforcement of immigration law to the federal authorities.
There's no reason for Brooklyn Park to put ourselves in a place where we put a target out there.
People (9)
Mayor WinstonMayorPresides over the meeting, acknowledges quorum, and facilitates public comment.
1 quote
Presides over the meeting, acknowledges quorum, and facilitates public comment.
“Brooklyn Park doesn't need to sing things from the rooftop. The reality is an election occurred.”
Addressing concerns about the city's public stance on immigration policy.
Guy HempelN/ARaised concerns regarding a $100,000 donation to the Zan Wood Center and inequities in community education programs.
Raised concerns regarding a $100,000 donation to the Zan Wood Center and inequities in community education programs.
Mr. CleveN/ARaised concerns about sewer billing rates for properties without traditional water service.
Raised concerns about sewer billing rates for properties without traditional water service.
Daniel QuinonesN/AQuestioned the police chief regarding the treatment of Maria Chen and Second Amendment issues.
Questioned the police chief regarding the treatment of Maria Chen and Second Amendment issues.
Peggy LarkinN/AAdvocated for updating Police Department Policy 413 to prohibit detention based on immigration status.
Advocated for updating Police Department Policy 413 to prohibit detention based on immigration status.
Chief BrewleyPolice ChiefReportedly reviewing Policy 413 with the CMAT team.
Reportedly reviewing Policy 413 with the CMAT team.
Paula WeeklyN/ASupported the call to revise police immigration enforcement policies.
Supported the call to revise police immigration enforcement policies.
Heather ZemianN/ASupported revising policy 413 to align with other cities regarding immigration enforcement.
Supported revising policy 413 to align with other cities regarding immigration enforcement.
BerniceSocial WorkerEchoed support for policy revision and shared community perspectives on immigration fears.
Echoed support for policy revision and shared community perspectives on immigration fears.
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (1)
- City Council Meeting (Date/time unspecified in transcript)
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
Brooklyn Park Police Department Policy 413 (Immigration and Enforcement)
Donation for Zan Wood Center project
Sewer billing concerns
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusiveness (DEI) initiatives
Police conduct concerns regarding Maria Chen
Community outreach and engagement strategies
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