Saint Paul Issues Cease-and-Desist Letter to Stop Unauthorized Use of City-Owned Parking Lots

SAINT PAUL— Today, the City of Saint Paul issued a formal cease-and-desist letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to prevent further unauthorized use of city-owned parking lots—specifically those at recreation centers and parks—for federal immigration enforcement operations.  

The cease-and-desist letter demands DHS immediately halt further use of city parking lots for federal operations without the City expressly authorizing such use through appropriate legal channels.  

DHS and other federal law enforcement agencies have previously and recently used city parking lots to stage vehicles and personnel without the city’s consent nor any authorizing agreement, permit, or statutory basis. This unauthorized occupation of municipal property is unconstitutional and constitutes an unlawful diversion of parkland and use of park parking lots under the city’s Charter and Legislative Code. These actions also interfere with the public’s right to access and use these facilities for their intended purposes. 

“Our parks and libraries are among the most valued and essential services in our city, and they exist solely to serve our residents and families,” said Mayor Carter. “When federal law enforcement repurposes them for federal operations without our authorization, it eliminates public access, erodes public trust, and undermines local control by unlawfully occupying city property.” 

The city is prepared to pursue all legal remedies available, including seeking immediate injunctive relief, if federal agencies continue their unauthorized use of city parks or library properties after receiving the cease-and-desist notice. 

“City-owned park property is legally reserved for park purposes, and its unauthorized use by federal enforcement agencies violates City law,” said City Attorney Lyndsey Olson. “This unlawful activity must stop immediately. We will take appropriate action to protect Saint Paul’s public spaces.” 

The City of Saint Paul is among a growing list of local governments across the nation using their authority to protect municipally owned property from being used as federal immigration enforcement staging. 

Read a copy of the letter here. 

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