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Hello to all my 3rd Ward neighbors,
This week I want to address the events of June 3rd. I will start by saying that I agree with Chief O’Hara’s assessment that the way this was carried out was tone deaf given the current political climate. I cannot speak to why federal law enforcement thought it was necessary to utilize armored vehicles in this operation.. The Mayor, Chief O’Hara, and Sheriff Witt have all questioned the necessity of this and have reached out to the federal government to express their concerns. I hope these concerns are addressed and that federal law enforcement take this incident into account in the future.
Yesterday I joined my fellow City Council Members in requesting the City Auditor to conduct an after-action review to gather all the information. I asked that this report include communications from elected officials, injuries sustained by officers, and what the City’s obligations are under mutual aid with other law enforcement agencies. When events such as this occur, it is vital that elected officials at all levels and those with large audiences gather factual information before making statements. Residents have put their faith in us, and it is our duty to serve them truthfully. Misinformation can easily inflame tense situations.
Here is what we know so far about what happened on June 3rd:
Multiple federal law enforcement agencies and Hennepin County Sheriffs executed a search warrant at a business at the intersection of Lake St. and Bloomington Ave. in South Minneapolis. This was part of a federal investigation into drug trafficking, human trafficking, and money laundering. Eight other locations were searched the metro area as part of this case. No part of this search was related to immigration enforcement and no arrests were made by federal agents. The City and MPD did not have prior knowledge of this and were called to the scene by the FBI when a large crowd formed and started impeding law enforcement.
Per City ordinance, MPD does not “undertake any law enforcement action for the purpose of detecting the presence of undocumented persons, or to verify immigration status, including but not limited to questioning any person or persons about their immigration status.” However, the City does work cooperatively with Homeland Security on matters unrelated to immigration, as it does with all state and federal agencies.
For those asking why Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers were present, part of their duty is the investigation and dismantling of transnational criminal networks that engage in human trafficking and drug smuggling across international borders. They are part of the task force that is conducting this investigation.
I will share updates with you all as I receive them.
Your neighbor,
Michael
Join a fun, family-friendly planting event this Saturday. This free event is part of the City’s ongoing work to improve water quality and support pollinators by restoring rain gardens and planting native flowers along Bryant Avenue.
Volunteers can expect to:
- Help plant flowers and native plants that filter rainwater and attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
- Learn about rain gardens.
- Find out tips for keeping storm drains clean.
- Enjoy snacks and good company.
No experience is needed. City staff will guide the planting and share ways you can help protect water in your neighborhood.
We’ll meet at Lyndale Farmstead Park and walk to nearby planting spots together. Be sure to dress for the weather, bring a water bottle and wear shoes you don’t mind getting a little muddy.
9 a.m.-noon Saturday, June 7 Lyndale Farmstead Park, 3900 Bryant Ave. S.
Learn more about the City’s stormwater work on the City website.
Join us for a Caring Careers job fair at the Cedar Riverside Opportunity Center June 18. There’s a critical need for workers in health care and social assistance. Find out more about jobs to help elders and people with disabilities living in our community.
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, June 18 Cedar Riverside Opportunity Center 505 15th Ave. S.
The City’s support of the local dance community progresses. Applications have opened for the Bridge Fund for Dance Program. The new funding aims to energize Minneapolis’ dance scene while attracting artists, audiences and experiences downtown.
Read more about the dance fund on the City website.
Celebrate Juneteenth in Minneapolis parks throughout June. From large community events to small neighborhood cookouts and movie screenings, there are a lot of ways to promote and cultivate knowledge and appreciation of African American history and culture.
Read more on the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board website.
Minnesota’s Hot Weather Rule protects residential utility customers from having their electric service shut off on any day that the National Weather Service has declared an excessive heat watch, heat advisory, or excessive heat warning.
Read more about hot weather protection on the State of Minnesota website.
Development is underway at the future home of the Minneapolis Democracy Center. Crews have made significant progress this year in preparing the former 3rd Precinct building at 3000 Minnehaha Ave. to become the heart of early voting and engagement in Minneapolis.
The City’s community engagement efforts found 70% of respondents living within the 3rd Precinct support plans to create the Minneapolis Democracy Center. This facility will include the Early Vote Center, offices for election staff, and flexible space for election-related equipment and supplies.
Cleanup
Crews have continued working on cleanup and repair. This includes HVAC, and electrical work continues on the interior, along with window, door, frame and skylight replacements. With the demolition of the vestibule, exterior improvements are more visible. Also on the exterior, bunker blocks have been removed from the building’s entry and new windows are being installed. New signage and fencing has also been placed around the site with more information about its future as the Minneapolis Democracy Center.
Barbara O'Brien, Director of Property Services, recently guided City Operations Officer Margaret Anderson Kelliher and City Clerk Casey Carl on a tour of the site. We captured that tour on video so the community could also see the work being done inside the building and our vision for its future. Watch the video.
Community use space
In addition to Elections & Voter Services, the Minneapolis Democracy Center will house a large, 8,000 square foot, ground-floor space for community use. In December, the City issued an request for proposals for a tenant to program the community space in the building. Three proposals were received. Currently, staff are reviewing the applicants who submitted proposals.
Next steps
The design process for the Democracy Center will begin this summer and will incorporate community engagement that will be announced in the coming weeks. A conceptual design presentation will be made to the City Council later this year. The project is anticipated to move into construction in 2026.
To learn more, visit the City website.
A new City opioid treatment program has begun for our community members with opioid use disorder. This pilot offers free prescription injections, treatment, and connections to services and support. That also includes insurance coverage help for longer-term treatment.
Read more about the opioid treatment program on the City website. |
