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Minneapolis council adopts strengthened separation ordinance limiting local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement
Summary
The City Council approved an amended separation ordinance on Dec. 11, directing city employees not to assist federal immigration enforcement and strengthening reporting and oversight; the vote carried 13–0. Leaders and immigrant advocates described the move as protective amid recent ICE activity in the Twin Cities.
The Minneapolis City Council adopted an amended separation ordinance on Dec. 11 that tightens restrictions on city employees’ cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and requires clearer reporting and training for city staff. Council President Elliot Payne called the measure “one step” the city can take to protect residents, while sponsors said it was urgently needed in the wake of recent enforcement operations.
Council member Andrea Chavez, one of the ordinance’s authors, framed the measure as a reaffirmation of city values and a practical limit on local participation in federal immigration activities. “While our authority is limited, we will do everything under our power to protect families,” Chavez said during the debate. Co-author Council member Chaudhury said the ordinance clarifies expectations for staff and creates procedures for disclosure when federal agencies request city records or access.
The ordinance requires city employees to follow defined processes before responding to federal immigration inquiries and directs training for frontline workers. Council members stressed the ordinance does not create new immigration status protections beyond existing law but formalizes the city’s refusal to use its facilities, data or resources for immigration enforcement except where compelled by judicial process.
Supporters linked the ordinance to recent local incidents and national ICE operations. Several council members, including Chaudhury, said the ordinance responds to legal guidance and practical reporting needs identified by staff and by the city attorney’s office. Opponents raised no sustained legal objection in the chamber; the measure passed unanimously by recorded roll call (13 ayes).
The council paired the ordinance with follow-up measures and oversight expectations: authors said the administration and clerks will report to the council on training and implementation, and the council directed staff to notify community organizations and post guidance for residents.
What happens next: With council adoption, the ordinance will be transmitted to the mayor for potential veto or implementation. Authors urged the administration to move quickly on training and community outreach so the policy takes practical effect for frontline employees and residents.
