In August 2025, this council called on the Trump administration to end its campaign of mass deportations and family separations and affirm the vital contributions immigrants make to Minnesota's economy and our way of life.

Then in December, we voted unanimously 7 to zero to restore funding for both the immigrant defense fund and the naturalization support fund, allocating $300,000 to directly support immigrant communities facing hardship.

That same month, after community members reported seeing St. Paul police use force against residents who were lawfully observing and protesting federal agents. We passed a resolution calling for a full investigation and reminding the department of its obligation to remain separate from federal immigration enforcement.

As we moved into 2026 and the situation intensified, we recognized that standard legislative timelines were not adequate for the moment. In January, we adopted a resolution creating a formal accelerated process for acting quickly on immigration related matters. One that preserved transparency, required legal review, and ensured the public could still participate. We built a structure to move fast without cutting corners.

One of the things that scared residents most was not knowing who the people in tactical gear outside their homes were, whether they were real law enforcement. under what authority they were operating and if they had the right to be there. We moved quickly to address this.

On February 4th, we unanimously passed an ordinance restricting law enforcement from staging operations on city-owned properties and limiting access to non-public city spaces. One week later, we passed an ordinance requiring all law enforcement officers to clearly display their identification while on duty so community members always know exactly who they are dealing with. And the following week, we added a requirement that law enforcement officers not wear masks or facial coverings during operations in our city with limited exceptions, making it easier for residents to identify officers and report misconduct. Three ordinances in 3 weeks because accountability cannot wait.

Through resolution 26215, we reaffirmed this council's commitment to uphold and defend our US Constitution and declared our support for Congress as a co-equal branch of government and raised serious concerns about what we see as unconstitutional concentration of power in the executive branch. St. Paul stands for the rule of law.

We passed a resolution urging hotels within city limits to refrain from housing federal immigration agents, recognizing the direct link between their presence in the fear, economic harm, and public safety concerns our residents were experiencing.

We called on Governor Wals to implement an energy and gas shut off moratorum to protect Minnesota families sheltering indoors from enforcement activities.

And we put city dollars where our values are. We redirected 1.42 million to our emergency rental assistance program, adding 500,000 in direct rental support and funding the staff who run the program, bringing our total erra funding to over 3.8 million.

Most recently, we passed an ordinance extending the pre-eviction notice period from 30 days to 60 days, giving families more time to access resources and stay housed because keeping families in their homes is public safety, too.

Finally, we are working on a new ordinance, chapter 44A, focused on strengthening how our city prepares for and responds to federal immigration enforcement operations. This work is about making sure city employees and supervisors, especially those in public safety, are fully trained, supported, and clear on their roles during these situations. It also establishes clear reporting structures and improves how information is shared when enforcement occurs, so we can provide timely, accurate updates both within the city and to our community.

We've developed this ordinance in close partnership with departments across St. hall, including SPD, SPFD, parks, libraries, the city attorney's office, and the mayor's office. Because this work requires coordination at every level of government. Because in moments of uncertainty, clarity, coordination, and trust are not optional. They are essential.