Executive Order 2025-02 says that the City will provide signs to identify non-public areas. Where can I find these signs and what do they do?

Sign designs for those who want to display them on their property are available for download.

These signs identify non-public areas in which private business owners wish to restrict activities related to civil immigration enforcement.

• Legal questions: For specific legal questions, including the impacts of using this or similar signage at your business, or what to do if federal agents do not follow the signs, it is important to consult a professional legal service provider.
• The City offers free legal assistance through independent legal service providers in the City’s Business Technical Assistance Program. For more information or referral to services, contact the Small Business Team by email at smallbusiness@minneapolismn.gov or 612-673-2499.

What do I need to know as an employer about interactions with immigration enforcement?

The City of Minneapolis’ Office of Immigration and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) Know Your Rights webpage has general information about your rights and available resources, including the National Immigration Law Center Guide for Employers.

Where can I access legal advice related to federal immigration enforcement?

You can access free legal help through the independent legal service providers in the City’s Business Technical Assistance Program.

For more information or referral to services, contact the Small Business Team by email at smallbusiness@minneapolismn.gov or 612-673-2499. The City of Minneapolis and its employees cannot give legal advice to residents or businesses.

Immigration agents are using my parking lot or other private property to park or assemble. Can I ask them to leave?

Yes. You may ask individuals to leave your private property. You may also post signs on your property stating that areas under your ownership or control—such as parking lots—are private property and not permitted for staging civil immigration enforcement. If agents refuse to leave, do not physically interfere with agents to prevent their use of your property. Instead, seek advice from your legal service provider.

If they don’t leave when I ask them to, can I call 911?

Call 311 to report to the City an instance of federal immigration officials entering private property.

Call 911 to report any life-threatening emergency.

The Minneapolis Police Department does not respond to calls regarding civil legal disputes. If you call 911 to report this type of dispute, MPD officers may not be dispatched.

Executive Order 2025-02 says that the City will make public “know your rights” materials regarding entry by immigration enforcement officials. Where can I find those materials?

Immigration agents came to my business for an I-9 audit. Is this a legitimate request?

It may be. A “Form I-9 Inspection” is a legal tool for immigration enforcement.  In this process, a federal immigration agent may come to your business, give notice of an inspection and request documents, including employee I-9 forms, tax documents, and other relevant business paperwork. You may have as few as three business days to respond.

If you are notified of an inspection, we recommend connecting with an attorney.  The City offers free legal assistance from independent legal service providers through our Business Technical Assistance Program.  

For more information or to be referred to services, contact the Small Business Team at SmallBusiness@minneapolismn.gov or 612-673-2499. We also encourage all business owners to be prepared for the possibility of an I-9 audit and to know where their key business documents are.

Can I prevent federal immigration officials from coming into my business?

Restricting access to your business depends on the situation     

The National Immigration Law Center has posted a Guide for Employers with more information on where ICE agents may go within a business.

For specific guidance tailored to your business, consult with a legal service provider.

My employees do not feel safe coming to work. What can I do?

While each business environment’s needs are unique, in general, working with employees to develop a safety plan, sharing Know your Rights materials, making sure emergency contacts are up to date, and implementing additional strategies based on employee feedback may offer valuable support to employees.

I’m worried about workplace raids by federal immigration agents. What can I do?

We encourage all employers to review guidance from reputable organizations, such as the National Immigration Law Center Guide for Employers, and to make a plan for your business and your employees.

This may include training for staff on what to say and ask if immigration agents come to your workplace, creating safety plans for your employees, and posting signage to identify non-public areas.

My business is suffering financially due to reduced customer traffic and lower sales. How can the City support me?

The City’s Small Business Team is available to talk to you about your situation and help to identify resources that may help.

For more information or referral to services, contact the Small Business Team by email at smallbusiness@minneapolismn.gov or 612-673-2499.