Saint Paul City Council Unanimously Passes Ordinance to Strengthen City Policies on Federal Immigration Enforcement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 22, 2026

Saint Paul City Council Unanimously Passes Ordinance to Strengthen City Policies on Federal Immigration Enforcement    

Today, in a unanimous 7-0 vote, the Saint Paul City Council adopted ORD 26-19, which adds Chapter 44A to the Administrative Code, strengthening training, reporting, and accountability related to federal immigration enforcement. Operation Metro Surge brought escalated federal tactics to Saint Paul, exposing the limits of the existing Separation Ordinance. In response, communities called on the Saint Paul City Council to strengthen that ordinance and build more protections into our city’s code. The Council listened, and consistent with their authority to establish policies governing City operations and employees, they took action.  

Chapter 44A ensures that City employees, especially public safety staff, are prepared, supported, and guided by clear expectations when these activities occur in the city. It also establishes clear reporting structures and improves information sharing, helping the Council provide accurate, timely, and relevant information both internally and to community members.  

Saint Paul has maintained a Separation Ordinance since 2004. While it has guided City practices across multiple administrations, the Council recognizes the need to further strengthen the separation ordinance in ways that are durable and long-lasting.  Chapter 44A is designed to do exactly that based on the lessons learned from Operation Metro Surge. Chapter 44A’s requirements follow from and are consistent with the Separation Ordinance’s existing authority to improve training, reporting, and accountability across City departments.  

The ordinance (ORD 26-19) provides consistent guidance for City employees on how to respond to immigration enforcement activity. It reinforces that City resources are not to be used for federal immigration purposes and establishes new transparency measures, including internal documentation, public reporting options, and regular updates to City leadership.  

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 and Recreation, Libraries, the City Attorney’s Office, and the Mayor’s Office.

Councilmember Quotes:  

 
Council President Rebecca Noecker: “This ordinance is about ensuring our values are reflected in how our city operates every day. Saint Paul has long been committed to maintaining a clear separation between local services and federal immigration enforcement—and Chapter 44A ensures that every employee knows their role and every resident can have confidence in how we operate.”  

Council Vice President Nelsie Yang: “What we experienced during Operation Metro Surge was unlawful and unjust, and it brought to light the need for consistent city staff training and reporting when federal immigration operations occur in our city. This important ordinance sets this expectation to ensure we deliver on our promises that our employees and resources won’t be used to carry out federal immigration operations and that we are a welcoming city to all.”  

HRA Chair and Councilmember Cheniqua Johnson: “Neighbors deserve a city that is clear, consistent, and grounded in trust. This ordinance strengthens how we show up—by providing thoughtful training and transparency—while respecting the expertise of our departments to lead with the right tools and support. It’s a practical step that keeps our focus where it belongs: on community, safety, and service for everyone who calls Saint Paul home.”  

Councilmember Molly Coleman: “2025 and 2026 have tested our separation ordinance in ways that could never have been imagined in 2004. It’s essential that we take the lessons our city has learned over the last six months to ensure that our city’s values- most importantly, our commitment to our immigrant neighbors and true public safety for all- continue to be upheld, no matter what challenges will come our way in the future. This new ordinance will ensure that our city staff have the needed training to uphold our separation ordinance, and that we have public accountability mechanisms in place so that our residents can be confident that our time and resources are being used in accordance with our laws and values.”  

Councilmember Saura Jost: “Strengthening our Separation Ordinance has been something our community has been demanding loudly and clearly since November. The clarity and guidelines provided by this ordinance are basic good governance and I am grateful for Councilmember Coleman’s thoughtful work on this ordinance.”  

Councilmember Hwa Jeong Kim: “I am proud to support this ordinance in direct response to our residents and to the reality of what we’ve witnessed this last year. It will not undo the harm already done. But it will make our city harder to exploit, our workers better supported, and our residents more informed.”  

Councilmember Anika Bowie: “Leadership on City Council means learning in real time and responding with action. The recent surge exposed where clarity and training are still needed. We owe it to our residents to be ready, not reactive. That means ensuring every city employee, including police, is trained, aligned, and accountable to the protections our separation ordinance promises. The Council must move forward with resolve and strengthen what keeps our communities safe.”

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