FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 18, 2026
Saint Paul City Council Enacts Face Covering Restrictions to Safeguard Residents During Law Enforcement Operations
SAINT PAUL – Today, the Saint Paul City Council voted 6–0 to pass Ordinance 26-7 (ORD 26-7), requiring all law enforcement officers conducting operations in Saint Paul to do so without a mask or facial covering, except in limited circumstances. The ordinance responds directly to serious concerns raised by residents and community members who have encountered federal officers from DHS, HSI, ICE, and other law enforcement agencies whose identities have been obscured by facial coverings.
“Ever since masked federal agents descended on the Twin Cities, we’ve seen documented instances of peaceful observers and press be attacked, and residents be intimidated and unlawfully kidnapped,” said Council Vice President Kim. “Over-policed communities are all too familiar with heavily armed and armored law enforcement and this ordinance is one step towards protecting our residents from zealous federal agents.”
Ward 6 Councilmember Nelsie Yang further affirmed that, “For months, our community has lived in fear and uncertainty caused by unjust federal immigration enforcement. The use of face coverings by federal agents has intensified intimidation and eroded trust by shielding agents from identification and accountability. This needs to stop now, and that’s why I’m proud to cosponsor this important ordinance pushing for transparency and accountability that we all, The People, deserve."
Councilmember Molly Coleman of Ward 4 added, “No federal agent is above the law when they are in Saint Paul. Yet for months, we’ve seen ICE and Border Patrol agents terrorizing our community under the color of law and the cloak of anonymity in an effort to avoid the accountability that Minnesotans know must come. This ordinance is a common-sense measure that merely codifies what has long been standard practice—not just in the Saint Paul Police Department, but within the very federal agencies that are now attacking our neighbors. When people wield the power of the state over our residents, it is essential that the public know who they are, and this is an important step in that direction.”
“ICE agents should not be able to terrorize our community under the comfort of a mask. Hiding their face shouldn’t be an option. Masks off. It’s that simple,” said Ward 7 Councilmember Cheniqua Johnson.
Since the recent increase in federal immigration enforcement activity, the City Council has passed a series of ordinances and resolutions aimed at protecting residents and strengthening public trust. Ordinance 26-7 builds on those efforts, further affirming the Council’s commitment to transparency, constitutional protections, and the rule of law.
“Transparency and accountability are fundamental to public trust. When law enforcement officers exercise authority in our neighborhoods — whether on patrol, making an arrest, or managing a crowd — residents have a right to know who they are interacting with,” said Council President Rebecca Noecker. “Ordinance 26-7 ensures officers are identifiable while performing their duties, with clear exceptions for undercover work and necessary protective gear. Visibility means accountability, and accountability means public safety.”
Ward 3 Councilmember Saura Jost further noted, “Trust is what Law Enforcement trade on. Without trust our public safety officials cannot do their jobs well. Every masked, unidentifiable, unaccountable federal agent working in our city erodes that trust and our public safety.”
In addition to ORD 26-6, passed last week, this week’s ordinance further protects residents by requiring law enforcement officers to visibly display their badges and be facially identifiable, except in narrowly defined circumstances. The City Council remains committed to ensuring the safety of its residents and fostering public trust, accountability, and integrity.
About the City Council
The Saint Paul City Council is the city’s legislative body, setting policy, adopting budgets, and providing direct constituent services across the city’s wards. Learn more at www.stpaul.gov/department/city-council.