In a show of solidarity with its immigrant population, the Minneapolis City Council passed a strengthened separation ordinance that fortifies the city's stance against federal immigration enforcement using local resources. Council Member Jason Chavez, alongside Council Member Chowdhury and Council Vice-President Chughtai, authored the ordinance, which updates measures that have been in place since 2003.
"Dear neighbor, I am excited to announce that the Minneapolis City Council unanimously approved the strengthened separation ordinance, reiterating the City’s commitment to immigrant justice," stated Chavez in a social media post. He further added, "It was time for the city to follow the communities’ lead, step up, and do more." The move aims to actively prevent city facilities and resources from being utilized to enforce federal immigration laws, with several significant highlights.
Under the new ordinance, city property, technology, and equipment cannot be used to further federal immigration laws. This commitment now extends even to city-contracted vendors. Additionally, the ordinance prohibits federal agencies from using city-controlled locations for immigration enforcement purposes and restricts non-public city spaces from being accessed without a judicial warrant. It also establishes clear prohibitions on city collaborations with federal agencies regarding immigration law enforcement.
Training and accountability measures are set to be enhanced with the requirement for City staff to regularly undergo training on the ordinance, and potentially update their knowledge. The ordinance also mandates the reporting of data related to complaints, detailing protections for residents, and obliges the mayor's administration to alert the council and public whenever federal agencies request city assistance for enforcing immigration laws. Chavez expressed his gratitude "to all our neighbors and the immigrant advocacy organizations who helped shepherd these important changes and protections for our neighbors."
