Council's Role
- Adopts and amends City ordinances and resolutions
- Establishes legislative policy and legal frameworks
- Conducts public hearings and votes in open meetings
This page is dedicated to tracking the Saint Paul City Council's action on immigration policies, legislation, and related resources.
Last Edited: February 19, 2026
Residents and organizations have asked how the City Council is responding to federal immigration enforcement activities. The Council’s work extends beyond a single ordinance and includes multiple code updates and legislative actions. This page summarizes actions taken, actions underway, and how the public can track future Council decisions.
The City maintains a central hub with up-to-date information, legal resources, community support services, and guidance for residents navigating federal immigration enforcement activity. Visit the City’s Immigration Resources page to learn more and find help. Learn more at stpaul.gov/immigration-resources.
Go to Immigration Resources HomepageThe Saint Paul City Council adopted ORD 26-7, adding Chapter 268B to the Legislative Code. The new law requires law enforcement officers to carry out law enforcement operations without wearing a mask or facial covering, except in certain situations. This would help residents identify real officers and makes it easier for them to report misconduct.
The Saint Paul City Council passed an ordinance aimed at protecting its residents. ORD 26-6 requires law enforcement officers to clearly display their identification while they are on duty. The law supports public safety and helps build trust by making sure community members can easily identify officers.
The Saint Paul City Council adopted RES 26-215, Defending the U.S. Constitution and the Rule of Law. The resolution reaffirms the Council’s commitment to uphold and defend the U.S. Constitution. It also declares support for Congress as a coequal branch of government and raises concerns about what the Council describes as an unconstitutional concentration of power by the Executive Branch.
The Saint Paul City Council passed RES 26-296 urging hotels within city limits to refrain from housing federal immigration agents. The resolution highlights reports of fear, anxiety, economic hardship, and public safety concerns tied to heightened immigration enforcement in the region. It reaffirms Saint Paul’s commitment to supporting and protecting its immigrant and refugee communities.
The Saint Paul City Council unanimously passed ORD 26-5, which added Chapter 268 to the Legislative Code. The ordinance restricts law enforcement from staging operations on city-owned properties and limits access to non-public City spaces. Furthermore, it affirms the Saint Paul City Council’s solidarity with immigrants and vulnerable residents by demonstrating the Councilmembers’ commitment to the safety and well-being of the community.
The Saint Paul City Council called on Governor Tim Walz to pass an energy and gas shutoff moratorium to keep families in Minnesota safe as they sheltered indoors from ICE. RES 26-253 highlights how increased federal immigration enforcement has created economic hardship for Minnesota families, leaving many afraid and unable to work and pay for essential utilities.
The Saint Paul City Council adopted RES 26-159 to create an organized process for acting quickly on immigration-related matters while preserving transparency and maintaining legal safeguards in the legislative process. The Council established notice requirements, legal review standards, and recurring public hearings to ensure the public remains informed and able to participate.
The Saint Paul City Council recognized Human Rights Day and International Migrants Day through RES 25-1977. The resolution emphasizes the City Council’s dedication to ensuring Saint Paul remains a welcoming and inclusive city.
The Saint Paul City Council called for an investigation into the conduct of the Saint Paul Police Department (SPPD) on November 25, 2025, through a formal resolution. Community members reported witnessing SPPD use force against residents who were exercising their First Amendment rights to observe and protest actions taken by federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations. RES 25-1980 highlights the Council’s commitment to protecting residents as they exercise their constitutional rights and serves as a reminder to SPPD of ORD 04-316, adopted in May 2004, which establishes a clear separation between the actions of local law enforcement and those of federal immigration authorities.
The Saint Paul City Council voted 7-0 to restore funding for the Immigrant Defense Fund and the Naturalization Support Fund in the 2026 budget. The Council demonstrated their commitment to immigrant communities by allocating $300,000 to support these programs and directly empower immigrant communities facing hardship.
The Saint Paul City Council officially recognized and celebrated Welcoming Week 2025, from September 12-21, through RES 25-1404. The resolution affirms the city’s commitment to being a Welcoming City, fostering a sense of belonging for all residents, including long-time residents, immigrants, refugees, and newcomers. It highlights the importance of building inclusive and diverse communities by promoting understanding and collaboration among all residents.
The Saint Paul City Council called on the Trump administration to end its campaign of mass deportations and family separations through RES 25-1226. The resolution emphasizes how the administration’s aggressive deportation policies are harming families and Minnesota’s economy. It also affirms the Council’s commitment to defending immigrant rights and highlights the important contributions immigrants make to all aspects of Minnesota’s vibrant economy and society.
Our police, fire, and emergency managers have extensive experience managing everything from large-scale events to civil unrest to public demonstrations. During protests, we are dedicated to ensuring our residents’ rights to peacefully assemble and express their views under the First Amendment are protected. We have strong networks of regional partners we can turn to for additional resources, as needed. We are continually planning, monitoring, assessing, and adapting as situations change, and partnering with community organizers so we can work together to keep our community safe.
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