Today, Mayor Jacob Frey signed an Executive Order prohibiting federal, state, and local agencies from using any City-owned parking lots, ramps, garages, or vacant lots to stage civil immigration enforcement operations. The order also directs City staff to design a signage template for local businesses and property owners who want to show their support for immigrants and mark their property as off-limits for these activities.

Federal immigration authorities previously used municipal lots to stage operations in Chicago before the city issued a similar executive order, and community members in Minneapolis have recommended that Mayor Frey ensure the same does not happen here.

The mayor’s order comes after recent credible media reports outlining the Trump administration’s plans to target Somali immigrants in the Twin Cities. The mayor has been clear: Minneapolis will not waver in its commitment to protect the rights and safety of all people, regardless of immigration status.

“Minneapolis is — and will remain — a city that stands up for our residents,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “City parking lots need to be used for City purposes, which do not include civil immigration enforcement. There’s no place in our Minneapolis for fear-based tactics or operations that undermine community trust. This Executive Order makes it clear: City parking lots, ramps, garages, and vacant lots cannot and will not be used to stage civil immigration enforcement operations.”

Under the order, City departments are required to:

• Identify all City-owned or City-controlled parking lots, parking ramps, vacant lots, or garages that could be used for staging civil immigration enforcement operations;
• Post clear signage stating that the space may not be used by any government entity for those purposes: “This property is owned and/or controlled by the City of Minneapolis. The City of Minneapolis does not authorize this property to be used, and it may not be used, by any federal, state, or local government entity or personnel as a staging area, processing location, operations base, or any other similar use for civil immigration enforcement operations.”
• Immediately report any violation of the Executive Order.
• Design an optional signage template for private property owners and leasers who wish to lawfully restrict civil immigration enforcement activities in non-public areas.

“Our work as a police department depends on the community, which includes immigrant communities,” said Chief Brian O'Hara. “Everyone must feel safe seeking help, reporting crimes, and working with our officers.”

A Welcoming City

This Executive Order builds on the City of Minneapolis’s work to make sure Minneapolis is a welcoming place for all, regardless of immigration status. This includes providing clear information about rights and resources on how to get help and adhering to our strict policy against City participation in civil immigration enforcement activities.

While the City cannot prevent ICE from being in Minneapolis, we will do everything in our power to keep our communities safe. The Minneapolis Police Department is here to protect everyone. If there is illegal or dangerous conduct, MPD officers will respond to assess and de-escalate any situation that is a threat to people or property, and ultimately, maintain public safety.

Read the mayor’s Executive Order. 

Learn more on the City's federal response webpage.