The City of Saint Paul has formally issued a cease-and-desist letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in a clear move to stop the federal agency from using city property without prior authorization. As reported by the city's official website, DHS has been staging vehicles and personnel in parking lots that belong to recreation centers and parks, actions deemed unlawful by city officials.
The cease-and-desist document was sent out to unequivocally demand that DHS cease and to desist immediately from further use of city parking lots for federal operations unless they acquire express authorization through legal channels. DHS and other federal law enforcement agencies have not only previously but recently set up operations in these lots without the city's consent, agreement, permit, or statutory basis, which the city states is an unconstitutional act and a misuse of the land intended for public recreation.
According to Mayor Carter, "Our parks and libraries are among the most valued and essential services in our city, and they exist solely to serve our residents and families,” said Mayor Carter. “When federal law enforcement repurposes them for federal operations without our authorization, it eliminates public access, erodes public trust, and undermines local control by unlawfully occupying city property." This statement reflects the city's disapproval and concern over the federal encroachment.
City Attorney Lyndsey Olson was quoted on the matter as well, saying, "City-owned park property is legally reserved for park purposes, and its unauthorized use by federal enforcement agencies violates City law. This unlawful activity must stop immediately. We will take appropriate action to protect Saint Paul’s public spaces." Saint Paul is now aligned with a number of local governments across the nation that are taking steps to assert control over municipally owned property, aiming to prevent it from becoming a staging ground for federal immigration enforcement without consent.
If the federal agencies do not comply with the cease-and-desist notice, Saint Paul is prepared to seek legal action, including immediate injunctive relief, to uphold its right and preserve the integrity of public spaces for the community.
