Mayor signs executive order

On Dec. 3, Mayor Frey signed Executive Order 2025-02, blocking civil immigration enforcement operations from using any City-owned parking lots, ramps, garages, or vacant lots. 

Find more information on the Executive Order

Read commonly asked questions

Minneapolis updates its separation ordinance

We updated our City's policy that prohibits participation in federal immigration enforcement. On Dec. 11, we updated the separation ordinance to:

• Codify Executive Order 2025-02 that bans federal immigration enforcement from using City parking lots and ramps
• Require training for City employees
• Add new reporting requirements

The separation ordinance was first enacted 20 years ago, reinforcing Minneapolis' long-standing commitment ensuring City resources are focused on the well-being and safety of all community members.

Read the updated separation ordinance

Standing with our Latino community

With over 12,000 Latino-owned businesses in the metro area, fear is creating real consequences for immigrant and refugee community members.

On Dec. 16, Mayor Frey and Police Chief Brian O'Hara stood with small business owners and faith leaders to speak about the damaging reality that federal immigration activity has caused in our city. 

We will continue to fight for dignity, safety, and a city where everyone can live and work without fear.

You can watch the full Dec. 16 press conference on the City's YouTube channel

Access free legal help

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:

• Volunteer Lawyers Network
• Community Clinics with Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid

To reach the City of Minneapolis Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, please call 612-673-3129 or 311.

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.

Download the signage

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.

Read more

What the Separation Ordinance does 

• Protects access to city services 
  Immigration status is not asked about unless required by law. 

• Separates city services from immigration enforcement 
  Police and firefighters focus on safety — not immigration status. 

• Supports victims of crime 
  Immigrant victims of certain crimes or human trafficking can apply for federal protections like U or T visas. 

• Holds employees accountable 
  City staff must follow these rules and face discipline if they don’t. 

What this means for residents and visitors 

• You can safely access city programs and services, no matter your immigration status. 
• Police and firefighters are here to protect you. They do not to enforce federal civil immigration law. 
• If you’re a victim of a crime, you can get help. You may qualify for immigration protections.

Minneapolis’ Separation Ordinance ensures everyone can feel safe using city services, reporting crimes, and being part of our community.

Read the full Separation Ordinance

The Trump administration’s targeting of immigrant communities spreads fear, division and misinformation, and causes harm and trauma for many people in Minneapolis.   

Avoid rumors and misinformation

Since we do not participate in federal civil immigration law enforcement, we do not know and cannot confirm the nature of rumored or reported federal law enforcement actions in our community.

It's important to know that federal officials do conduct operations in our city related to:

• Drugs
• Violent crime
• Human trafficking and more

We work every day to ensure Minneapolis is a welcoming place for all.

Our most important responsibility is to continue to uphold our policies and practices as a Welcoming City. We want to make sure you know your rights and can access support and services quickly when needed.

Police role in community safety

The public should be clear that the Minneapolis Police Department does not participate in the enforcement of federal civil immigration laws.

However, police may be called to a scene if there are safety concerns. In cases like this, MPD will step in, find out what's happening, and calm the situation to keep everyone safe.