Mayor Kaohly Her Signs Ordinance to Respond to Federal ICE Activity in Saint Paul

SAINT PAUL, MN – Mayor Kaohly Her today signed an ordinance passed by the Saint Paul City Council aimed at responding to increased federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in Minnesota.

The new ordinance, developed in collaboration between the Mayor’s Office and the City Council, prohibits law enforcement staging or operational activity on city-owned property, restricts access to non-public city spaces, and codifies the city’s cease-and-desist letter dated December 19, 2025, which directs federal law enforcement to leave city-owned property.

Mayor Her released the following statement:

“When I was sworn into office one month ago, I pledged that Saint Paul would set clear rules for federal immigration enforcement. No one could have predicted that less than a week later, Operation Metro Surge would begin and masked agents would flood our city, using violence and intimidation against our residents.

This action honors that promise by strengthening and clarifying our city’s expectations, and making it explicit: city property is not for immigration enforcement. Our city parks, libraries, and service centers are trusted resources for our community, and they must stay that way.

I am grateful for the collaboration and dedication of the Saint Paul City Council as we work to meet this crisis head-on.

While we continue to demand the end to Operation Metro Surge, we must do everything we can to restore peace of mind to our residents and bring safety back to our community.”

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Learn more about the City's coordinated response at stpaul.gov/metro-surge