Commissioners raise concerns about ICE activity and community fear in St. Louis County

Summary

Commissioners used the Jan. 13 meeting to urge county action and community supports after reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stops and detentions affecting Somali American residents. Speakers called for protecting constitutional rights, reviewing county surveillance and outreach, and connecting residents with local resources.

During commissioner comments at the Jan. 13 St. Louis County Board meeting in Ely, a commissioner urged the board to respond to recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in the region and the anxiety it has created among residents. The commissioner said there is video evidence and multiple reports that Somali American residents have been stopped, questioned or detained, and called on the county to protect constitutional and human rights in county spaces and communications.

"They're scared to go grocery shopping," the commissioner said, describing community members who avoid hospitals and daily errands out of fear. The speaker asked the board to examine county surveillance, IT and public-facing systems, and to work with the county's congressional delegation and community organizations to ensure humane, rights-respecting procedures.

Other commissioners acknowledged the concern, described local outreach already underway, and offered to connect affected residents with resources and legislative staff. The comments were delivered as part of the general commissioner remarks and did not prompt a formal county action or vote at that meeting.