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Protecting Our Community’s Rights

The federal government, and only the federal government, has the authority to enforce our nation’s immigration laws. They have a legitimate purpose in protecting people from those who are a threat to community safety. The way they are conducting this surge – identifying people to target based on how they look and how they speak, allowing agents to employ unnecessary violence, and violating the freedoms and rights of people in our community – is illegitimate and it endangers all of our safety. 

We will not stand idly by and watch this happen to our neighbors and our community. 

Our efforts to stand up for Saint Paul are focused on three primary areas 

Engaging in Safety Planning, Preparedness & Response 

In the City of Saint Paul, our first responders are always here to support our community – especially in times of need. If you feel unsafe, whether because of an encounter with a stranger or a federal agent, you should call 911. Our officers are here to help. While they can’t interfere with a federal agent carrying out lawful enforcement activity, they can:  

  • ask questions to assess the situation and document the encounter via their body-worn camera;  
  • keep the peace - if people on scene begin to throw things or assault each other, or agents engage in excessive force, our officers have a duty to intervene; and 
  • ask unwanted guests on private premises without legal permission to leave.  

Please visit our SPPD website for more information on how our officers are responding during this surge. 

SPPD

Saint Paul Police Department

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 peaceably 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

City of Saint Paul Immigration Resources: Looking for trusted immigration resources in Saint Paul?

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 Homepage

Supporting Our Community

In addition to working with the organizations on the ground, we are making a concerted effort to connect with the residents, business owners, and communities most impacted by this surge. From small business owners in different ethnic communities to local markets to daycare providers to religious organizations, we are directly engaging to learn how people are being affected and what they need to support them through this incredibly challenging time. 

Coordinated Response: Community, Legal, Business, and Food Resources in Action

Image of scales of justice and legal papers

Legal Response

National Lawyers Guild MN Statewide Legal Support Hotline: 612-444-2654  

Emergency grants are now available for Saint Paul and Minnesota businesses impacted by recent federal immigration enforcement activity.

The Latino Economic Development Center has launched an emergency relief fund to support Latino and immigrant-owned businesses facing sudden financial strain, with funding prioritized for East Side Saint Paul and additional statewide support in development. Businesses in need are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Learn more and apply at the LEDC website.

Go to Latino Economic Development Center Homepage

Advancing Legal Action

Minnesota, Minneapolis, and Partners Sue to Halt Unlawful Federal Immigration Enforcement

On January 12, 2026, we filed a joint lawsuit with the State of Minnesota and City of Minneapolis to stop unlawful federal immigration enforcement by immediately ending Operation Metro Surge and requiring federal immigration officers to comply with the U.S. Constitution, state law, city ordinances, and their own federal policies. We have also requested that the Court require them to use body-worn cameras to bring transparency to their actions and prohibit them from: 

  • racial profiling; 
  • excessive force; 
  • enforcement actions in sensitive locations, such as schools and hospitals; and 
  • retaliation against concerned bystanders.  

Report concerning incidents involving federal agents to the Attorney General

Court Orders Limits on Federal Immigration Agents Amid ACLU Challenge

Recent court decisions have bolstered our case and placed restrictions on federal immigration agents. [ORDER HAS BEEN STAYED; visit the ACLU website linked below for updated information] In the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) case, Tincher v. Noem, the Court granted a preliminary injunction to require federal immigration officers who are part of Operation Metro Surge to stop: 

  • Retaliating against people who are engaged in peaceful and unobstructive protest activity, including observing the activities of Operation Metro Surge; 
  • Arresting or detaining people engaged in protest activity, unless there is probable cause or reasonable suspicion that the person has committed a crime or is obstructing or interfering with the activities of federal immigration officers; 
  • Using pepper-spray or similar non-lethal munitions and crowd dispersal tools against people in retaliation for their protected conduct; and 
  • Stopping or detaining drivers and passengers in vehicles where there is no reasonable articulable suspicion that they are forcibly obstructing or interfering with federal immigration officers. The act of safely following federal immigration officers at an appropriate distance does not, by itself, create reasonable suspicion to justify a vehicle stop.

Class Action Targets DHS for Civil Rights Violations in Twin Cities

On January 15, 2026, the ACLU filed another class action lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security challenging its policies and practices of racial profiling, unlawfully seizing, and unlawfully arresting people in the Twin Cities without a warrant and without probable cause. More information to come about impacts in our community after the court has time to consider this case. Visit the ACLU website linked above for updated information.