Get important updates at the Twin Cities immigration forum
The City of Minneapolis Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) in partnership with the City of Saint Paul Immigrant and Refugee Program hosts a biweekly immigration forum to offer immigration-related updates to the community.
The topics covered include:
- Federal immigration news and resources.
- City, community and advocacy organization updates.
- Other topics important to immigrant, refugee and new American communities.
Find dates on the OIRA events calendar.
Email us to get a link to the meeting series.
Learn more at minneapolismn.gov/oira.
Update on enforcement affecting Minnesota refugees
ICE is very active in Minnesota with Operation PARRIS that is targeting people with refugee status in Minnesota who have not yet obtained permanent residency (green cards).
We have heard reports of refugees with legal status, but without permanent residency, being arrested by ICE.
We are sharing this information, so you are aware and prepared.
Stay safe at home
- Download the ReadyNow! app and enter your emergency contacts, including your lawyer, case manager, family, childcare, and other critical contact information. If arrest is imminent, you can send multiple messages at the push of a button.
- Always carry copies of your immigration documentation and State ID with you (I-94, employment authorization document and Minnesota ID).
- Stay calm and do not resist arrest, even if you think the arresting officers are acting unlawfully.
- Memorize the telephone number of at least one trusted contact.
What to do if detained
Minneapolis is a Welcoming City; know your rights
Our City will always stand with all immigrant and refugee communities who make Minneapolis vibrant, diverse and full of life. Remember, everyone has rights. Be prepared.
You can find information from our community partners on the City’s website, including:
- What to know in interactions with ICE (federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement):
- How to prepare:
- Make a plan to prepare your family.
- Carry a “know-your-rights” card.
- Keep your immigration papers on you at all times.
- Meet with a lawyer to learn about your immigration options.
- Learn how to prepare for an immigration encounter. Attend a workshop, information session or community hours.
Watch presentations in English, Spanish and Somali from Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid on the City’s rights and resources page.
If ICE comes to your home
Everyone has constitutional protections regardless of immigration status.
Before opening your door to ICE, know your rights, as recommended by the Immigrant Law Center. Remember to assert them calmly and safely.
The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota suggests the following if federal immigration agents come to your home.
- ICE needs a judge-signed warrant with your name and address to enter.
- You can ask them to show you the warrant through the window or under the door.
- If there is no valid warrant, you have the right to keep your door closed.
Find more Know Your Rights resources on our website.
Share the know-your-rights information in five languages
You can download and share the City's graphic and article on social media in English, Spanish, Somali, Oromo and Hmong.
ICE arrests of U.S. citizens
If you are stopped or detained by ICE, it is important to be aware of your rights. This is not legal advice. For legal advice, contact a lawyer.
If you are a U.S. citizen
There are reports that federal agents, including ICE, are detaining or arresting United States citizens.
- If a U.S. citizen is in the custody of ICE, a person can:
- Seek legal advice
- Contact your member of Congress.
- People living outside Minnesota’s Fifth Congressional District should contact their representative for assistance.
If you or someone you know believe they were improperly arrested or detained by ICE, you may consider:
- Resources may be available through additional civil liberties, immigration or legal advocacy groups
Read more and share this article.
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Visit our Virtual Resource Center
Increased federal immigration enforcement activities in our city are disrupting daily life. Some people are afraid to go to work, school or the grocery store.
We created a Virtual Resource Center for community members to find partner resources for food, housing and mental health support.
Visit the Virtual Resource Center to find information including:
- Rent and eviction assistance
- Mental health resources
- Domestic violence resources
Download a resource flyer to post or share with your networks.
Small business resources during increased federal activity
How to access legal advice
The City of Minneapolis Business Technical Assistance Program (BTAP) refers eligible businesses to free legal advice from attorneys.
Contact the Small Business Team for a referral at smallbusiness@minneapolismn.gov or call 612-673-2499.
ICE or federal action at the workplace
Immigration officials may come to a business with a warrant to locate or detain specific individuals or search a location. The National Immigration Law Center (NILC) offers a helpful guide for steps that employers can take if immigration officials come to your workplace. Find the NILC Guide for Employers.
I-9 inspections
An I-9 inspection, also called an I-9 audit, is an administrative inspection process conducted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). During this process, a DHS agent will request specific business records to confirm that the business's employees have appropriate work authorization. Read more on I-9 Inspections.
Reporting threats
 Amid ICE’s divisive presence in our neighborhoods, we’ve heard reports of threats of violence against schools and community organizations. Call 911 immediately if you hear about or receive a threat involving schools, students, or community groups. Reporting threats right away helps keep everyone safe. If you have questions about your child’s school safety plan, contact your school’s administration.
Call 911 immediately if you:
- Receive a threat about violence directed toward a school or a student, or a threat on school grounds.
- See a threat on social media directed at a school.
Receive threatening calls or emails sent to a nonprofit or community organization.
Suspicious vehicles
Residents and community members can report suspicious vehicles on city streets. If you see an unmarked vehicle without front and rear license plates, you can report it to 311.
Lawsuit seeks to halt ICE surge into Minnesota
On Jan. 14, the judge assigned to our lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security asked for additional briefings by both parties next week. That will be followed by a hearing. We are asking the judge to end the dangerous surge of federal immigration enforcement in our city. A decision has not been made yet on our request.
The lawsuit is about:
- Safeguarding the State’s and Cities’ ability to protect their communities’ well-being
- Accountability
- Basic constitutional protections that the federal government is ignoring
Learn more
Find more updates on the City website.
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Attorney General asks Minnesotans to share impacts of federal actions
Attorney General Keith Ellison is launching a form on his website that Minnesotans can use to share information about the impacts that federal actions in Minnesota, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), have had on them personally or someone close to them, or that they have personally witnessed.
These incident reports may be critical in supporting Attorney General’s Office actions defending and enforcing Minnesota’s laws and defending the State of Minnesota against actions that violate the State’s rights under the Constitution and applicable federal law.
Examples could include:
- Violations of constitutional rights (racial profiling, excessive force, retaliation against protestors, observers, and media)
- Business closures
- Reduced healthcare or education access
- Other issues impacting public safety and civil liberties
- Federal funding cuts and grant terminations or terms and conditions tied to federal program participation
- Other administrative actions by federal agencies
The office asks that Minnesotans not share rumors, media reports, secondhand information they cannot verify, or social media posts documenting experiences they did not witness or personally experience.
Send in a report
You can send your report in English, Spanish and Somali. Additional language options for this form will be added in the coming days.
Read more and share the Minnesota Attorney General’s press release.
City response to federal actions
Here’s what the City is doing in response to the federal government’s actions in Minneapolis.
- Suing the federal government: The lawsuit, filed with the State of Minnesota and City of St. Paul, aims to restore order, accountability, and basic constitutional protections.
- Standing by City policy: The Mayor and City leaders have clearly stated that Minneapolis will not take part in civil immigration enforcement.
- Protecting City spaces: ICE is not allowed inside City buildings without a judicial warrant.
- Guiding City staff: City employees and first responders receive ongoing training on how to respond if ICE activity is reported, and how to protect residents’ rights and safety.
- Working with partners: The City is tracking reports of ICE activity and working with community groups to share accurate information and resources.
- Keeping residents informed: We are sharing regular updates so residents know their rights and where to get help.
What the City cannot do
ICE is a federal agency. Cities do not have the legal power to remove federal agents or stop federal operations. We know this limitation is frustrating and frightening. Even so, the City is using every legal tool available to protect residents and uphold local policy.
Stay informed
You can stay up to date on Minneapolis’ responses to federal actions through many channels:
City Council members speak out against ICE violence in Minneapolis, announce plans for updates
 Members of the Minneapolis City Council held a news conference in City Hall Jan. 14 to denounce the federal government’s brutal immigration enforcement activities.
State and county elected officials and an impacted community member joined the City Council in denouncing ICE’s inhumane tactics.
They expressed support for community resistance and shared their own experiences. They encouraged continued support for neighbors and announced plans to begin sharing regular video updates via official City Council channels.
Watch the full news conference or a highlight reel with speakers.
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