Mayor and council members told a packed Woodbury City Council chamber on Jan. 14 that city staff had verbally confirmed with property representatives that 11435 Hudson Road is not being sold or leased to the federal government or agents for use as an ICE detention facility.

The announcement came at the start of an expanded public‑comment period called to address community concern after local reports that ICE presence and possible facility siting had alarmed residents. "City staff have verbally confirmed the property located at 11435 Hudson Road is not being sold or leased to the federal government or agents acting on their behalf," the mayor said during opening remarks.

Why it matters: dozens of residents, local advocacy groups, health professionals and two state lawmakers told the council the recent ICE activity in the region has produced fear, trauma and economic disruption. Many described witnesses of agents detaining community members and said children are suffering sleep loss and anxiety. State Senator Amanda Hemmingson Jaeger told the council the presence of ICE "has shook our community to its core" and urged the city to stand with residents. State Representative Ethan Cha described arriving as a refugee and said the actions he has seen "infringe on the American dream."

What residents urged: commenters asked the city to take concrete steps beyond public statements, including supporting the Minnesota state lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security, holding public hearings before any approvals for detention operations, clarifying zoning and eminent‑domain implications, publicly documenting communications with federal or private parties, and developing an actionable plan to protect residents. A mix of personal testimony included allegations of unlawful detentions and at least one first‑person account that a resident was removed, held overnight and released without charge.

City response and next steps: council members and staff said they would continue coordinating with county and state partners, noted outreach from federal lawmakers, and pointed to material the city published that day — an FAQ page — and an upcoming webinar with public safety leaders. City staff also encouraged residents with zoning questions to contact planning staff and said the city has no policies, plans or documents that authorize a detention center on local property.

Formal actions during the meeting: the council amended the agenda earlier to move the open forum and later approved the consent agenda and the minutes item 6a after debate. When item 6a (minutes) was put to a roll‑call vote, Council member Wilson recorded 'No' while the other four members voted 'Aye' and the minutes were approved.

What remains unresolved: council members repeatedly said local authority is limited over federal enforcement agencies. Residents pressed the council for written confirmations from property owners and for concrete, enforceable steps the city can take to deter facility siting or operations in Woodbury.

The meeting ended with the city administrator reporting routine staff updates and the council adjourning. The city will continue posting updates on its website and hosting further education and Q&A opportunities for the public.