Minneapolis response to federal immigration enforcement surge and ICE shootings
Learn about the impact of current federal actions and how the City is responding.
Fact check
The City of Minneapolis did not make any deals or concessions with the federal government or ICE to end Operation Metro Surge. We remain committed to our separation ordinance. MPD and the City do not participate in federal civil immigration enforcement or help ICE with civil immigration enforcement investigations.
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Update on Operation Metro Surge
76,000 residents need urgent relief
The City estimates that approximately 76,000 people — mostly immigrants, refugees, American Indian/Native American, and Black/African American and People of Color — currently need urgent assistance.
The assessment identifies four priority areas of urgent need.
Livelihoods
- $47 million in lost wages from residents unable to safely go to work
- $81 million in restaurant and small business revenue losses
- $4.7 million in hotel cancellation losses extending into summer
Shelter
- 35,000 low-income renter households were already struggling to afford rent before the surge
- $15.7 million in additional rent assistance now needed due to lost income
- Eviction impacts are still being assessed
Food Security
- 76,200 people experiencing food insecurity linked to the surge
- $2.4 million per week needed to meet citywide food assistance demand
Mental Health
- 8,713 school-age children in need of mental health services
- 50% reduction in client contact reported by service providers as families avoid public systems
Impact on City operations
In addition to community harm, Operation Metro Surge has strained City resources.
The City has spent more than $6 million on payroll, police overtime, and operational expenses. Officials estimate total costs could have doubled if the surge continued.
What’s next
The City is recovering and requesting significant funding assistance to address urgent humanitarian needs. While federal agents are expected to withdraw, City leaders continue to call for the immediate and full departure of federal immigration enforcement personnel.
Minneapolis remains committed to
- Supporting impacted families and businesses
- Upholding its separation ordinance
- Maintaining transparency and community updates
- Advancing recovery efforts across priority sectors
City responds to news of ICE drawdown
U.S. Senators, local, and state leaders respond to third federal shooting
City leaders respond to third federal shooting
Mayor and Police Chief respond to another federal shooting
Minneapolis, Saint Paul and State of Minnesota file lawsuit against the federal government
About the lawsuit
The lawsuit seeks to stop the Trump administration from continuing to violate the law in its immigration enforcement campaign in Minneapolis and across the state.
In the lawsuit, we are asking the court for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) to immediately stop the federal government’s unlawful activity in Minnesota.
Federal agents have engaged in a pattern of unlawful conduct targeted to harm the public safety, health and welfare of Minnesota residents.
We are asking the Court to order federal agents to follow the U. S. Constitution, state law, and their own policies.
We are not trying to block immigration enforcement altogether. We are trying to stop the unprecedented surge and unlawful enforcement.
What does the lawsuit ask for
For federal agents continuing lawful operations in the city, we are calling an end to:
- Racial profiling
- Excessive force
- Enforcement at sensitive locations
- Including schools, hospitals, places of worship, courthouses, playgrounds, funerals, and weddings
- Retaliation instead of de-escalation against concerned bystanders and witnesses
We are also calling for:
- Federal agents to be equipped with body-worn cameras
- Follow the U.S. Constitution, state law and their own federal policies
How Operation Metro Surge has affected our City
The unconstitutional and dangerous actions of federal immigration enforcement have:
- Created chaos
- Degraded safety
- Violated the civil rights of residents and community members in our city
- Depleted law enforcement resources
It is clear that the federal administration does not want to improve public safety in our state. They are engaged in a pattern of behavior designed to disrupt peace, create fear, and inflame.
As a result, state and local law enforcement agencies have been forced to divert resources to de-escalate tensions arising from federal immigration enforcement activities to maintain order and public safety.
What happens next
The court will review our request for immediate relief.
In the meantime, the City of Minneapolis will continue doing everything we can to protect public safety and support our neighbors.
Learn about the other federal lawsuits Minneapolis has joined and those filed against us
City urges protests remain peaceful in federal shooting aftermath
City leaders demand ICE to leave Minneapolis after fatal shooting
All news updates related to federal response
Access free legal help and resources
Legal help from our partners
If you or someone you know is impacted, there are resources available, including free legal clinics with immigration attorneys.
You can access these clinics through:
Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs
Community members are encouraged to connect with the City of Minneapolis Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs for additional information.
To connect, please call 612-673-3129 or 311.
Signage for private property owners
Private property owners and leaseholders can choose to identify their non-public areas to lawfully restrict activities related to staging for civil immigration enforcement.
The City has created:
- Signs
- Posters
- Stickers and window decals
Important to note
While the City is providing the designs, printing is the responsibility of property owners and leaseholders.
If you use this signage, you are doing so at your own discretion and assume any associated legal risks.
Common questions from business owners
We have collected common questions from local business owners related to immigration enforcement.
These questions and answers are meant to provide general information and resources to business owners. They are not intended as legal advice.
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