The City of Minneapolis has voiced its dissatisfaction following the recent removal of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) from an ongoing investigation into a fatal shooting by a federal agent. In a statement acquired by the official city website, Commissioner Todd Barnette, from the Minneapolis Office of Community Safety, expressed concern over the state partners' exclusion, "We are concerned that the investigation is proceeding without state partners, and we are calling for a clear and transparent process that includes state investigating agencies."
Amid fears of federal immigration agents' presence in the city, which continues to affect the citizens, city officials are demanding accountability and justice, and are urging community members to maintain peace and unity. The removal of the BCA from the investigation into the ICE shooting incident has added to these tensions, despite the city's recent legislative efforts to clearly demarcate the Minneapolis Police Department's involvement in immigration law enforcement activities, which includes the prohibition of MPD officers from collecting information on individuals for immigration enforcement or participating in immigration raids or detaining individuals based on their immigration status.
Mayor Frey further cemented this stance by signing Executive Order 2025-02 on December 3, prohibiting civil immigration enforcement from utilizing City-owned properties, an action that was later codified by the City's separation ordinance on December 11 alongside new employee training and reporting requirements. The policy's intent, to establish a trust-based relationship between law enforcement and immigrant communities, has been underscored by MPD's commitment to community policing—the cornerstone of which is a clear separation between criminal law enforcement and immigrant law enforcement.
In response to community concerns over what actions to take upon spotting ICE agents, the city has provided guidelines that urge calling 911 in emergencies such as witnessing someone with a gun, not identifiable as law enforcement, or capturing incidents like forceful abductions but reminds residents not to engage or interfere with federal agents during operations, for their own safety it's important noting video recording is allowed, as long as there is no active impediment to the agents' duties. Moreover, local businesses impacted by the heightened federal immigration activities have been given resources, including the City of Minneapolis Business Technical Assistance Program (BTAP) which can offer referrals for free legal advice, and materials like posters and window decals indicating non-consent for private property to be used for immigration enforcement activities—though with a clear advisory on the legal enforcement of such signs.
Additional resources and support for those affected by federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis are available, as outlined by the City's Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA), which can be reached at 612-673-3129, along with volunteer-run legal clinics throughout the city. For further information and detailed guidelines, the city directs individuals to its official channels and the recent press release.
