Saint Paul City Council Introduces New Ordinance to Improve Training and Reporting Related to Federal Immigration Enforcement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 26, 2026

Saint Paul City Council Introduces New Ordinance to Improve Training and Reporting Related to Federal Immigration Enforcement 

SAINT PAUL – Yesterday, the Saint Paul City Council introduced ORD 26-19, which adds Chapter 44A to the Administrative Code. Chapter 44A’s purpose is to strengthen internal systems of training, reporting, and accountability around federal immigration enforcement.    

Since before the start of Operation Metro Surge, and especially during unprecedented federal immigration enforcement actions, communities have called on City Council to strengthen the existing Separation Ordinance and clarify that Saint Paul Police are not to work in tandem with federal immigration authorities. That call was heightened again during the operation on Rose Avenue in the Payne-Phalen neighborhood, where SPPD engaged with protestors (City of Saint Paul - File #: RES 25-1980).  

Saint Paul has maintained a Separation Ordinance since 2004. While it has guided City practices across multiple administrations, Council recognizes the need to strengthen the separation of federal and local law enforcement authority in ways that are durable and long-lasting. Chapter 44A is designed to do exactly that.    

The ordinance ensures that City employees are equipped with consistent guidance on how to respond to immigration enforcement activity. It reinforces that City resources are not to be used for federal immigration purposes and creates new systems for transparency, including internal documentation, public reporting options, and regular updates to City leadership.    

By strengthening our internal systems for training and reporting, Chapter 44A ensures that all City employees and supervisors—especially public safety staff—feel fully supported and trained for their roles during federal immigration enforcement actions. Another key goal is to establish clear reporting structures and improve information sharing when federal immigration enforcement occurs in Saint Paul, so that we can provide accurate, timely, and relevant information both internally and to our community members.    

The Saint Paul City Council recognizes that we have an opportunity to set the standard for other municipalities to follow. Operation Metro Surge has caused serious harm to our community, and the Council’s response has been equally serious.  From banning the use of city-owned properties and limiting access to non-public City spaces, to banning masks and requiring visible identification of insignia, Chapter 44A adds another layer of protection for residents while filling gaps in existing policies.    

Chapter 44A also reflects the Council’s thoughtful approach—responsive, deliberate, and focused on legal durability. In developing this ordinance, the City Council worked closely with partners across the city, incorporating input from the Saint Paul Police Department, Saint Paul Fire Department, Parks, Libraries, the City Attorney’s Office, and the Mayor’s Office.    

About the Saint Paul 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 https://www.stpaul.gov/department/city-council