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 17, 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 once again passed an ordinance aimed at protecting its residents. ORD 26-6 requires law enforcement officers to visibly display their identification when performing law enforcement duties. The ordinance underscores the Council’s commitment to public safety, transparency, and accountability by ensuring that community members can clearly identify law enforcement officers.
The Saint Paul City Council unanimously passed ORD 26-5, which added Chapter 268 to the Legislative Code. The ordinance prohibits 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 enact an energy and gas shutoff moratorium to keep families in Minnesota safe as they sheltered indoors from ICE. RES 26-253 highlights how intensified 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 a structured 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 underscores 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 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.
This section summarizes the legislative actions in progress by the City Council. Information about city resources and other guidance is available through the Mayor’s Office.
The Saint Paul City Council introduced ORD 26-7, adding Chapter 268B to the Legislative Code, which requires law enforcement officers to conduct operations without a mask or facial covering, except in limited circumstances. Building on ORD 26-6, which requires officers to display visible identification, the ordinance reinforces the City Council’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and public trust in law enforcement. Residents should be able to identify legitimate officers and have a clear way to report misconduct.
The public hearing for this item was held on February 11, 2026, and the final vote will come before the City Council on February 18, 2026.
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.
Go to Police Homepage