March 24, 2026

Businesses in Hennepin County that have experienced significant financial and operational hardship due to the recent federal immigration enforcement surge can apply for financial support through the Hennepin County Small Business Recovery Fund. Applications opened March 18; the deadline to submit an application is 4 p.m. March 25, 2026. Visit the city's small business resources page for information on this program and others.

Hennepin County announces property tax penalty abatement
The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners has authorized abatement of 2026 property tax late-payment penalties for eligible taxpayers experiencing hardship due to Operation Metro Surge. Pursuant to state law, property taxes are due May 15 and Oct. 15. Under this action, penalty abatement applications and full payment of past-due taxes are due by June 30, 2026 (first half) and Nov. 30, 2026 (second half). This provides property owners an additional six weeks of time to pay without penalty. Property owners can submit applications online or in person at the Hennepin County Government Center, 300 S. 6th St., Minneapolis. It's important to note that this special abatement is separate from the existing process and doesn't affect a property owner's ability to request penalty abatement for any reason once every 10 years.

March 23, 2026 

Minnesota cities call on state legislature to deliver 2026 small business relief
Cities for Safe and Stable Communities is urging lawmakers to pass small business relief bills this session, as they are essential to stabilizing local economies in the aftermath of Operation Metro Surge. On March 23, St. Louis Park Mayor Nadia Mohamed testified before the Senate Jobs committee on behalf of the coalition in support of SF 4527 and SF 4535.

Preliminary coalition data shows an estimated 150,000 immigrant and foreign-born community members were directly affected by the surge, which directly impacted hundreds of local businesses. Businesses in the coalition cities reported revenue losses of 50 to 100 percent during the operation.

The disruption has hit small businesses especially hard. Accounts from local business owners describe conditions as "worse than COVID." Restaurants, markets, and salons saw foot traffic plunge. One business closed for a month and a half due to staffing shortages, resulting in close to $4,000 in food losses alone. Other businesses are falling behind on rent from $15,000 to $45,000. Business owners across the coalition described maxing out credit cards to stay afloat.

The coalition is asking lawmakers to support 2026 relief funds for businesses impacted by the surge. The coalition continues to assess the full scope of economic damage and is supporting additional policy changes to prevent similar disruptions in the future.

About Cities for Safe and Stable Communities: Cities for Safe and Stable Communities is a nonpartisan coalition of 25 Minnesota cities working together to restore economic stability, public trust, and effective local governance in the aftermath of Operation Metro Surge. The coalition works to stabilize city operations, rebuild resident confidence, and advocate for policies that protect local authority and constitutional rights.

March 19, 2026

Cities for Safe and Stable Communities Coalition Responds to Governor Walz's 2026 Supplemental Budget
The Cities for Safe and Stable Communities Coalition, a nonpartisan coalition of Minnesota cities formed in response to Operation Metro Surge, are encouraged that Governor Walz included vital investments in housing and business support in his budget proposal, released on Tuesday.

The coalition recognizes the Governor's supplemental budget as a meaningful step toward addressing the economic and civic disruptions Minnesota communities continue to experience since Operation Metro Surge. In particular, the coalition supports the $33 million in emergency rental assistance, as well as the $10 million in partially forgivable small business loans for businesses that experienced substantial revenue losses during the surge.

These investments are a start. Cities across Minnesota are still managing the aftermath of the surge, including workforce instability, business closures and housing insecurity. The economic impacts are not limited to the Twin Cities—communities of all sizes will require recovery efforts and need comprehensive state support.

However, the coalition urges the Governor and the legislature to go further by including food security support in the final budget. Operation Metro Surge disrupted the workforce and created higher needs for food shelf access and nutrition assistance programs. As a result, families across the state are experiencing heightened food insecurity, and cities need state investment to ensure no Minnesotan goes hungry as our communities stabilize and recover.

The coalition will continue to work with the Governor and the legislature to secure the resources and safeguards Minnesota cities need to recover from Operation Metro Surge, including direct fiscal relief to cities for the overtime, public safety and service costs cities absorbed.

March 17, 2026

Somali TPS termination temporarily paused; individuals should still prepare
The impending March 17, 2026, 11:59 p.m. end of Somali Temporary Protected Status has been temporarily paused by a federal court. Somali TPS remains in effect for now, pending further court action. It’s still important that individuals with Somali TPS prepare and get advice specific to their situation. The City of St. Louis Park provides community resources, including on immigration topics. You may also visit the City of Minneapolis resources or email oira@minneapolismn.gov.

March 10, 2026

At its March 9 meeting, the St. Louis Park City Council formally approved the City of St. Louis Park's participation in the Cities for Safe and Stable Communities Minnesota Coalition, which has three core priorities: stabilizing local economies and city operations, reaffirming local control and the rule of law, and strengthening public trust and community safety. The coalition is focused on practical coordination and real-time problem solving through legislative advocacy that includes:

• Validating what is happening on the ground
• Stabilizing city operations and protecting core services
• Sharing information across cities
• Strengthening communication with residents
• Engaging state and federal partners
• Identifying safeguards for the future

Upon its formation in early February 2026, the coalition comprised the cities of Bloomington, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Columbia Heights, Eden Prairie, Edina, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Maplewood, Minnetonka, Richfield and St. Louis Park. It has since more than doubled in size.

March 5, 2026

At its March 2 meeting, the St. Louis Park City Council approved amending a social services contract with St. Louis Park Emergency Program (STEP) to increase funding for food support by $50,000. STEP requested the additional funding to more effectively respond to a significant increase in need for food assistance due to current federal actions. The city had previously awarded STEP $175,000 for emergency rent assistance and $50,000 for food assistance for 2026, following a competitive request for proposals process for services from non-profit agencies offering basic needs services to St. Louis Park residents. To learn more about STEP and other community organizations, services providers and informational resources visit the city's community resources page.

Feb. 19, 2026

The Cities for Safe and Stable Communities Coalition, representing 21 Minnesota municipalities including the City of St. Louis Park, convened at the Capitol to announce a legislative agenda aimed at stabilizing local economies and restoring public trust following the drawdown of federal officers from Operation Metro Surge. Read the full news release.

Feb. 12, 2026 

The Cities for Safe and Stable Communities coalition, which includes the City of St. Louis Park, welcomes today’s announcement by Border Czar Tom Homan regarding the conclusion of the surge within the coming weeks. Coalition leaders are encouraged by the news that federal officers will be withdrawn or redeployed, signaling the de-escalation our communities have urgently requested. Read the full news release.

Feb. 10, 2026

At a Feb. 10, 2026, special meeting, the St. Louis Park City Council adopted a resolution affirming the city’s values and commitment to upholding them and outlining the city’s strategic actions in response to federal actions to support those most impacted in St. Louis Park. Before adopting the resolution, the council hosted a public comment period to hear from the community. Read the news release.

Feb. 2, 2026

A coalition of mayors announces the formation of Cities for Safe and Stable Communities (MN). We are a grassroots, local government-led coalition dedicated to restoring stability and trust in government. While our cities have faced challenges for some time, Operation Metro Surge has created an urgent need for a unified local voice. Read the news release.

Jan. 31, 2026

On Jan. 31, 2026, the federal court denied an emergency request to halt Operation Metro Surge, but did not rule that the operation is lawful, justified or constitutional. The city will continue to support the lawsuit as protecting community safety, trust and local decision-making remain priorities, regardless of this interim ruling. The City of St. Louis Park had joined with other suburban communities in signing on to a "friend of the court brief” (Amicus Brief) for this lawsuit brought by the Minnesota Attorney General and the Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. 

Jan. 26, 2026

The City of St. Louis Park is joining with other suburban communities in signing on to a "friend of the court brief” (Amicus Brief) for the existing lawsuit brought by the Minnesota Attorney General and the Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The Brief specifically asks the court to issue a temporary injunction against aggressive ICE activity that is closing schools and businesses and reducing access to courts and public services due to the fear and apprehension caused by ICE tactics. It argues that ICE operations be limited to acceptable constitutional operations. The court hearing on this lawsuit is set for Jan. 26, 2026.

Jan. 16, 2026

A statement from the City of St. Louis Park on federal immigration enforcement in the St. Louis Park community and in Minnesota:

Since early December, many members of our community have been living in fear and even hiding due to federal immigration activity. The escalation of these activities in recent weeks has intensified that fear throughout the community, disrupting daily lives, businesses and learning.

While the chaos in our community is not making us safer, it can bring us together in pursuit of our common values. We are a welcoming city for all. Our city will remain focused on its strategic priorities, grounded in the values you have shared with us through visioning processes. These priorities reflect our shared commitment to service, community voice, safety and respect for the dignity of all people.

To support the community, the city maintains a list of informational resources, community organizations and service providers offering help on a variety of topics, including immigration. These resources are available on the community resources page.

We want to remind residents that the St. Louis Park Police Department’s position on enforcing immigration laws remains unchanged. The police department doesn’t enforce federal immigration law, request documentation of immigration status or maintain that data in its records. The St. Louis Park Police Department's position on enforcing immigration laws is on the city website on the police department's frequently asked questions page, under "Policing practices and other training." The St. Louis Park Police Department responds to the everyday needs of those who call 911 for service, regardless of immigration status.

In a collective statement, St. Louis Park City Council Members said, “When sworn in as council members, we vowed to uphold the Constitution of the United States and of Minnesota. We will continue to do that in service to our community, as you elected us to do, to ensure the rights of our residents aren’t trampled upon in this effort to intimidate, frighten and subdue Minnesotans.”

March 19, 2026

Mayors coalition responds to Walz's 2026 supplemental budget plan (Sun Sailor, March 19, 2026)

March 5, 2026

STEP to be granted emergency funds (Sun Sailor, March 5, 2026)

Twin Cities suburbs are tallying Operation Metro Surge costs and asking for help (Star Tribune, March 5, 2026)
St. Louis Park Police Department overtime costs are included.

Feb. 4, 2026

At least 12 Twin Cities suburbs form coalition amid ICE surge (MPR News, Feb. 4, 2026)
St. Louis Park Mayor Nadia Mohamed is interviewed.

Jan. 22, 2026

Readers Write: 11 suburban mayors call for ICE to respect constitutional rights (Star Tribune, Jan. 22, 2026)

"As mayors who represent more than 10% of Minnesotans, we are concerned over the manner in which immigration enforcement policies are being carried out in our communities. The current Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation, with over 3,000 officers working within our state, has created an environment of fear for many of our residents.

"We are troubled by the current show of force that complicates the work that we do as mayors trying to better the lives of our residents.

"The No. 1 job of municipal government is keeping people safe. The presence of thousands of masked ICE agents on our streets is not contributing to making our residents feel safe. With the reports of warrantless searches and detentions of people trying to go about their daily lives, our communities, schools and businesses are being negatively impacted.

"We call on the Department of Homeland Security to conduct its enforcement work in a lawful manner by upholding constitutional rights and following due process.

"We hope and trust that the federal government will partner with us to deliver the highest-quality public safety practices that our shared constituencies deserve and expect."

This letter was signed by Bloomington Mayor Tim Busse, Brooklyn Center Mayor April Graves, Brooklyn Park Mayor Hollies Winston, Columbia Heights Mayor Amáda Márquez Simula, Eden Prairie Mayor Ron Case, Edina Mayor James Hovland, Golden Valley Mayor Roslyn Harmon, Hopkins Mayor Patrick Hanlon, Minnetonka Mayor Rebecca Schack, Richfield Mayor Mary Supple and St. Louis Park Mayor Nadia Mohamed.

Jan. 9, 2026

Local council members sign onto joint national statement asking ICE to leave Minneapolis (Sun Sailor, Jan. 9, 2026)

Where can complaints against ICE be made?

The St. Louis Park Police Department is instructing those with complaints against ICE to register those complaints with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Minnesota Attorney General website offers a reporting form where Minnesotans can share impacts of federal actions, including those of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Does the city know when/where ICE activity will take place?

Federal agencies don’t typically share their operational plans with local jurisdictions, so the city is unlikely to be aware of ICE enforcements planned or taking place in St. Louis Park.

Can ICE stage on city property/parks?

The cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul have used separation ordinances as the basis to restrict ICE activities (like staging operations) from city-owned spaces. There are questions about the legality of limiting public use and about whether cities would have the authority to regulate the activities of higher levels of government.

Traditional components of a separation ordinance include prohibiting status inquiries; prohibiting using local resources to enforce civil immigration laws or detain people; and preventing formal partnerships or data-sharing agreements with federal immigration agencies. Every separation ordinance may be written differently.

While the City of St. Louis Park doesn't have a separation ordinance, the St. Louis Park Police Department's position on enforcing immigration laws in many ways addresses the same issues. That policy has not changed regardless of federal administration and includes:

• The St. Louis Park Police Department does not enforce federal immigration law, request documentation of immigration status, or maintain that data in its records.  
• The St. Louis Park Police Department responds to the everyday needs of those who call 911 for service, regardless of immigration status. 
• The St. Louis Park Police Department’s policy for responding to federal requests for assistance states that the department may provide available support services, such as traffic control.  
  

What is the St. Louis Park Police Department's position on enforcing immigration laws?

The St. Louis Park Police Department’s position on enforcing immigration laws remains unchanged. The police department doesn’t enforce federal immigration law, request documentation of immigration status or maintain that data in its records. The St. Louis Park Police Department's position on enforcing immigration laws is on the city website on the police department's frequently asked questions page, under "Policing practices and other training." The St. Louis Park Police Department responds to the everyday needs of those who call 911 for service, regardless of immigration status.

What is the St. Louis Park Police Department’s policy on responding to mutual aid requests from other law enforcement agencies?

The St. Louis Park Police Department provides mutual aid support in neighboring cities when requested by partner agencies; just as those partner agencies would assist the St. Louis Park Police Department if needed in St. Louis Park. Requests for assistance from federal agencies generally occur for responses within St. Louis Park. The St. Louis Park Police Department’s policy for responding to federal requests for immigration-related assistance states that the department may provide available support services, an example of which is traffic control.

Does the St. Louis Park Police Department offer protection for peaceful protests?

The St. Louis Park Police Department supports all people's fundamental right to peaceably assemble and their right to freedom of speech and expression. The police department’s policy regarding crowd management and crowd control is to apply the appropriate level of direction and control to protect life, property, and vital facilities while maintaining public peace and order during a public assembly or First Amendment activity. More information is in the police policy manual on the city website.

How do I report ICE activity in St. Louis Park? How will the police department respond?

Any witness to law enforcement activity can report it to the St. Louis Park Police Department at 952.924.2618 with the address/intersection, date and time the activity happened or is happening. The St. Louis Park Police Department can confirm its own activities in a specific area on a specific date and time; however, there are limitations on additional information that it can access and/or legally release. For example, information about other entities conducting operations in St. Louis Park (federal, state and/or county) may not be immediately available to the St. Louis Park Police Department. Further, if there is an ongoing investigation, there is generally a delay in when data about that investigation can be released. As always, anyone who observes suspicious or potentially illegal activity is encouraged to call 911 or the police non-emergency line at 952.924.2618.

How will the police department respond if they observe what appears to be excessive force by federal agents? Do they have a duty to intervene?

St. Louis Park Police officers would intervene if criminal assaultive behavior was observed. By state statute, sworn officers in Minnesota have a legal obligation to intercede when they observe another peace officer using force that is clearly beyond what is objectively reasonable under the law and the circumstances of the case, and can do so.

Can people drive to the police station if they're being followed by ICE?

Anyone who is concerned about suspicious behavior while driving can come to the police station. The parking lot and police lobby are public spaces and therefore don’t grant any additional protection from ICE enforcement action. While the lobby isn't staffed outside normal business hours, call 952.924.2618 or 911 to be connected to dispatch.

How can suspicious or unlicensed vehicles be reported?

Anyone who observes suspicious or potentially illegal activity can call 911 or the police non-emergency line at 952.924.2618.

What action is taken by St. Louis Park police if they see a vehicle with no license plates, or if a sighting of an unlicensed vehicle is reported to the police department?

Generally, St. Louis Park police conduct traffic enforcement on vehicles without license plates, primarily when officers are on routine patrol. Ticketing or impounding decisions are up to the discretion of the officer involved, like traffic stops for speeding. Reports to police dispatch of unlicensed vehicles are generally considered suspicious vehicle reports. These reports are prioritized for response if they appear connected to active crimes such as burglary, shoplifting or theft from autos rather than an equipment violation on a public street. It should be noted that an unlicensed vehicle alone is not an indication of an ICE operation. Federal law enforcement agents also are legally allowed to operate vehicles without license plates in a variety of investigative and enforcement situations.

What should we do if we encounter abandoned vehicles?

When snowfall is not a factor, vehicles may be parked on city streets for up to 48 consecutive hours. If you encounter an abandoned vehicle that has been on the street longer than 48 hours, or that is in the roadway and impeding traffic, call 911 or the police non-emergency line at 952.924.2618.

What resources is the city providing for those asking about ICE enforcement and/or immigration issues?

On the city website, there is a community resources page. Relevant resources for these topics are under the tab “Legal assistance." City staff have been working hard to identify a network of trusted messengers whom we are providing with resources and messaging they can bring to those impacted by ICE enforcement actions.

What is the city doing to help with rental and food assistance for those affected by federal immigration operations?

The city is working closely with the St. Louis Park Emergency Program (STEP) to monitor community needs for both rent and food assistance. Through a 2025 request for proposal for social services from non-profit agencies serving St. Louis Park residents, the city granted STEP $175,000 for emergency rent assistance and $50,000 for food assistance for fiscal year 2026. In response to recent federal actions, STEP has adjusted its eligibility criteria for emergency rent assistance to better meet emerging needs. STEP is also seeing a significant increase in food assistance requests for which the city will be considering additional funding. 

Does the city have a separation ordinance?

No. While the City of St. Louis Park doesn't have a separation ordinance, the St. Louis Park Police Department's position on enforcing immigration laws in many ways addresses the same issues. That policy has not changed regardless of federal administration and includes:

• The St. Louis Park Police Department does not enforce federal immigration law, request documentation of immigration status, or maintain that data in its records.  
• The St. Louis Park Police Department responds to the everyday needs of those who call 911 for service, regardless of immigration status. 
• The St. Louis Park Police Department’s policy for responding to federal requests for assistance states that the department may provide available support services, such as traffic control.  

Separation ordinance components traditionally include prohibiting status inquiries; prohibiting using local resources to enforce civil immigration laws or detain people; and preventing formal partnerships or data-sharing agreements with federal immigration agencies. Every separation ordinance may be written differently.

The cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul have used their separation ordinances as the basis to restrict ICE activities (like staging operations) from city-owned spaces. There are questions about the legality of limiting public use and about whether cities would have the authority to regulate the activities of higher levels of government. Additionally, there are policy and political calculations to consider. 

To support the community, the city maintains a list of informational resources, community organizations and service providers offering help on a variety of topics, including immigration. These resources are available on the community resources page.

Legal assistance resources specifically include:

• ACLU MN Immigrant Rights – 651.645.4097
• City of Minneapolis Immigrant and Refugee Affairs – 612.673.3129
• COPAL – 612.255.3112
• HOME Line – 612.728.5767
• Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota – 651.641.1011
• Immigration Legal Resource Center-Red Cards – 415.255.9499
• Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota –1.800.582.5260
• Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid – 612.334.5970
• Minnesota 8
• MN Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC) Know Your Rights video
• Unidos MN – 612.231.9719