Resident tells Becker County board he faces repeated calls and eviction; asks board to investigate socioeconomic discrimination

A Detroit Lakes resident told Becker County commissioners during public comment that he has been the target of frequent law enforcement interactions and what he called socio‑economic discrimination by local institutions and neighbors.

Donald Chouinard said he has been subject to more than 50 police or sheriff contacts in the last two years without resulting criminal charges, citations or credible evidence, and described repeated attempts to have him removed from the community. He told the board he was forcefully evicted on Aug. 23, 2023 despite his belief that the landlord’s allegations were fraudulent, and that although he later won an appeal he did not regain housing. Chouinard also said his mother, a 76‑year‑old public housing recipient, faced an eviction claim that he attributed to the fact that her landlord is a Section‑8 caseworker tied to his prior case.

Chouinard asked the board to investigate what he described as systemic socioeconomic discrimination. He said he had filed complaints and pursued appeals but remained homeless and warned the county that similar conduct could be occurring to others who lack resources to contest it.

The board thanked Chouinard for his remarks; commissioners and staff did not announce any immediate investigatory action during the meeting. County administrators said they would follow up through the appropriate departments on individual case details where privacy rules allow.

Why it matters: the comment raises allegations about law enforcement contacts, housing eviction practices and possible retaliation affecting a vulnerable resident and his elderly mother. The board did not make any determination at the meeting; staff follow‑up was requested.