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Mayor Jacob Frey, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, and local and state elected leaders held a press conference Saturday after the second fatal shooting in Minneapolis this month by federal immigration agents.
The elected leaders underscored the need for a transparent investigation and collaborative efforts.
You can watch highlights of the news conference or the full news conference on the City’s YouTube channel: City, state and federal leaders express frustration, sadness over Saturday shooting.
Find updates on the City response on the City website.
 With multiple law enforcement agencies in town, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with City emergency and non-emergency vehicles.
Police vehicles could be marked or unmarked. Fire Department vehicles are always red. City teams drive different makes and models, but the City’s logo is always present.
And no matter what vehicle they drive, City personnel do not participate in federal immigration law enforcement, nor do they loan any vehicles to federal teams.
See examples of City vehicles and their markings.
The City Council is changing its meeting schedule in response to ongoing community needs resulting from the presence of federal agents in the city. Council members are prioritizing their constituents and the community, and they recognize the demand this ongoing situation has placed on the City’s administration and staff.
As of this week, regular committee meetings are cancelled. Items normally referred to standing committees will be referred to the Committee of the Whole. The change in the council’s regular cycle will affect meetings through Feb. 19.
Read more about the changes on the City website.
The City has compiled a list of prescription drug resources and delivery options. The information includes lists of:
- Local pharmacy chains that deliver.
- State and local pharmacy assistance programs
- Nonprofit and charitable assistance programs
- National discount programs
- Combination delivery and low-cost options
Find a list of prescription drug resources on the City website.
People are showing up for Minneapolis. Often, that starts with everyday choices: where to eat, shop, gather and spend time. That idea is at the heart of MPLS for MPLS, a new initiative from Meet Minneapolis encouraging residents to intentionally engage with neighborhood businesses and workers during a challenging moment for the city.
The effort also provides practical information about which businesses are open and what may look different right now, including modified hours and knock-for-entry policies.
Small businesses are the heartbeat of Minneapolis neighborhoods. They help shape the character of each block, create welcoming places for residents and visitors to gather, and provide livelihoods for thousands of workers and families. When those businesses struggle, the ripple effects are felt across the community and throughout the city’s economy.
Read more on the Meet Minneapolis website.
You have rights as a renter if you’re at risk of getting evicted from your home. Property owners cannot immediately evict you for not paying rent. They must give you written notice at least 30 days in advance. The notice must tell you how much you owe and how you can pay it.
People who rent their homes are important members of our community. Renters make up more than half of the population in Minneapolis.
Find more detail on eviction policy on the City website.
Resources
- Legal assistance. Low-income renters in Minneapolis have the right to a lawyer in eviction cases. We have free and low-cost services for renters that include help legal help, advocacy, education and more.
Learn more about legal resources.
The City is hosting several events throughout Black History Month this February to honor, celebrate and reflect. The 2026 theme is A Century of Black History Commemorations: Honoring Our History, Uplifting Our Legacy, Continuing the Celebration. All City of Minneapolis employees are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Black History Month kickoff: council resolution
Join us as we officially kick off Black History Month with our annual City Council resolution. This event sets the tone for our 2026 celebrations. Jamela Pettiford will lead us in singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the Black national anthem, followed by guest speakers honoring the significance of Black History Month.
Breakfast and resolution Thursday, Feb. 5
8-9:15 a.m. Breakfast City Hall Rotunda
9:30 a.m. Resolution Council Chamber, Third Floor, City Hall
Moments That Matter: Celebrating Local Black Artists
Join us as we celebrate local Black artists in Minneapolis by showcasing their powerful and inspiring art. This event highlights creativity, culture and the lasting impact of Black artists within our community.
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10 Public Service Building, Room 100AB
A Touch of Soul
A Touch of Soul is a lively celebration featuring spoken word artists, dancers and an opportunity to support Black-owned businesses through tabling and product sales.
Noon-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24 Public Service Building, Room 100AB
On Sunday, February 1st, the rent is due. Since the start of Operation Metro Surge thousands of members of our community have been staying home out of fear: simply leaving the house to go to work means facing harassment, violence, or abduction by ICE. No one should have to choose between keeping a roof over their head or being kidnapped by ICE. With so many residents already living paycheck to paycheck, we are now facing an eviction crisis, which will make many of our neighbors more vulnerable to abductions and potentially deadly encounters with ICE agents.
As City Council Members, it is our responsibility to do everything within our power to protect and support our neighbors. We unanimously passed a resolution calling on Governor Walz to enact an eviction moratorium, but we cannot dismiss the dire needs of our residents to wait on the Governor to demonstrate the political will to pass an eviction moratorium.
That is why Council Members Wonsley, Osman, Stevenson and Payne will be introducing a budget resolution for rental assistance funding at the February 3rd City Council Committee of the Whole meeting. This resolution allocates $1M from the City’s contingency fund for rental assistance that will go to residents in need. Hennepin County has agreed to be the receiver of these funds, and to collaborate with the City to administer the funds to support residents who have been impacted by the federal occupation, without putting residents at increased risk.
Because the need in our communities is far greater than what the City can cover, we will also need to work across jurisdiction with the County and State, as well as with philanthropic partners to keep residents housed.
The City has the opportunity to be the first governmental partner to bring forward funding, which will allow us to meet the needs of the community while also catalyzing the larger effort that we know this will take. As the country’s eyes are on us, let’s show them how we stand up to ICE by protecting all of our neighbors. Right now, rent relief is how we keep us safe.
Sincerely,
Council President Payne, Ward 1
Council Vice President Member Osman, Ward 6
Minority Leader Wonsley, Ward 2
Council Member Stevenson, Ward 8
 Applications are open now for summer internships for Minneapolis-area teens and young adults.
Step Up
Step Up interns, age 14-21 and not enrolled in college, can get training, work experience, mentoring, and paid internship experiences with local employers.
Placements are with parks, community organizations, public agencies, nonprofits and private sector businesses.
Find more details and apply for the Step Up program by March 1.
Urban Scholars
This summer leadership internship is for college and graduate students interested in public sector careers.
The 2026 Urban Scholars program runs from June 1 to Aug. 14. The program is a full-time summer program providing paid internships, professional development and mentorship opportunities for young professionals. The interns work full-time with the employers four days a week with leadership development every Monday.
Candidate applications are due March 1.
 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 the City website in:
This is a difficult time for everyone in our city. If you're in crisis or know someone who is, the Cope mobile crisis team can help 24/7. Cope responds to anyone in Hennepin County who needs an urgent response — whether one person, families or communities.
Cope has bilingual and bicultural staff available for face-to-face, phone, and video visits. It uses interpreters when needed.
Call 612-596-1223 or visit Hennepin County’s website. If the situation is life-threatening or you need immediate response, call 911.
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 Saint 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 secure areas of 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.
Resources for residents
We are keeping information on the City’s federal response page. It includes verified information about resident rights and trusted resources.
Also on that page, under “Get help,” you’ll find resources for legal help, shelter, healthcare and food assistance.
If you or someone you know encounters ICE activity:
- You have the right to remain silent.
- You can ask to see a warrant signed by a judge.
- You do not have to open your door without a valid judicial warrant.
- Write down what you see if it is safe to do so, and connect with trusted legal or community organizations listed on the City’s website.
Recent reports of ICE activity include detaining or arresting U.S. citizens. If this happens to you or someone you know, learn about your rights, how to report what happened, and where to get help.
As a reminder, under Minnesota law and City policy, Minneapolis employees, including police, do not assist ICE with civil immigration enforcement. City staff do not ask about immigration status, do not detain people for ICE, and do not provide access to City facilities without a valid judicial warrant.
Minneapolis is strongest when we look out for one another. The City remains committed to the safety and dignity of everyone who calls Minneapolis home.
ncreased 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.
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.
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.
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.
With multiple federal agencies in town, you should be familiar with the unforms worn by City of Minneapolis employees.
Nobody in a City uniform will ever ask for your immigration status or participate with any federal immigration enforcement activity. Our officers do not wear masks to hide their identity.
We work for and with our community, not against it.
Here’s what they look like – from police to animal control. See Minneapolis employee uniforms and badges
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The City of Minneapolis is committed to doing everything in our power to provide transparency to our community following the fatal shooting by a federal agent in our city. The decision to remove the BCA from the ICE fatal shooting investigation is deeply disappointing. City officials are demanding accountability and justice and stressing the need to meet this moment with peace and unity.
The City of Minneapolis recognizes the pain and anger that the presence of federal immigration agents is causing in the city. The City is urging community members not to take actions that could be used to justify further federal escalation or militarized response.
You can find more information on the City website about:
- Recent actions to clarify policy against City participation in immigration law enforcement activities
- What to do if you see ICE in your neighborhood
- Small business impacts from increased federal activity including optional sign downloads to notify ICE you do not authorize using your private property for their operations
- Guide for employers on ICE or federal action at the workplace
- Resources including free legal clinics staffed by immigration attorneys
Read more on the City website.
Read about the City’s response to the Jan. 7 fatal shooting involving federal law enforcement in the area of East 34th Street and Portland Avenue
The City has entered its 2026-2029 term following the inauguration and swearing in of elected officials and the organization of the newly installed City Council.
Council leadership
Council Member Elliott Payne, Ward 1, is City Council president, and Council Member Jamal Osman, Ward 6, is vice president. Council Member Aisha Chughtai, Ward 10, is majority leader, and Robin Wonsley, Ward 2, is minority leader.
Council committee structure
Membership of the core standing committees increases from six to seven members. Committee assignments:
- Budget: Aisha Chughtai, chair; Elizabeth Shaffer, vice chair
- Business, Housing & Zoning: Jamal Osman, chair; Aurin Chowdhury, vice chair
- Climate & Infrastructure: Robin Wonsley, chair; Soren Stevenson, vice chair
- Committee of the Whole: Aurin Chowdhury, chair; Aisha Chughtai, vice chair
- Under the Committee of the Whole is a Settlement Agreement and Consent Decree Subcommittee with Jamison Whiting, chair; Elliott Payne, vice chair
- Enterprise & Labor Relations: Linea Palmisano, chair; Jamison Whiting, vice chair
- Public Health, Safety & Equity: Jason Chavez, chair; Soren Stevenson, vice chair
- Intergovernmental Relations: Aurin Chowdhury, chair; Michael Rainville, vice chair
Find more about the City Council and its meetings on the City website. |
