The Moorhead City Council on Dec. 8 adopted Resolution 18k, a formal statement affirming the city's support for immigrant and refugee communities and condemning discrimination. Councilmember Deb White moved the resolution and Councilmember Nicole Matson seconded; the motion passed on a unanimous roll-call vote.

The resolution's text, read into the record by White, affirms that Moorhead 'welcomes contributions of all people' and recognizes that the Somali community and other immigrant and refugee residents are 'integral' to the city. White said the resolution was intended to 'stand together with our community to show support for all of our immigrant and refugee communities during this very challenging time.

Multiple residents spoke in support before the vote. Amelia Sturluson, speaking for the Red River Valley Democratic Socialists of America, said national rhetoric had escalated anti-immigrant sentiment and urged the council to 'refuse to be silent.' Garrett Mauer, a Moorhead resident, urged 'unanimous support' and said the adoption or rejection of the resolution 'speaks far more to the character of our leaders.' Lynn Doctor Pinnick said hate 'should have no home here in Moorhead,' linking the evening's human-rights recognitions to the resolution. A resident introduced as Abdi Shakur Mohammed described coming to Moorhead with an accent and a hope that the city would give him a fair chance and asked councilmembers to send a clear message that immigrant neighbors 'belong' and are 'valued'.

The council recorded the votes by roll call: Matson (Yes), Niesemeyer (Yes), Moore (Yes), White (Yes), Borgen (Yes), McDougall (Aye), Hendrickson (Yes) and Nelson (Aye). The motion passed.

The council referenced a local precedent: a 2017 council resolution passed after the Charlottesville violence that denounced hate groups and promoted inclusiveness. Members and speakers framed the 18k measure as a reaffirmation of Moorhead's values amid national debate. The resolution does not create new legal protections or change municipal procedures; it is a statement of council position.

Next steps: With the resolution adopted, the council concluded the item and moved on to subsequent agenda business.