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Richfield residents urge action after ICE raids; council promises review and emergency-options
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Summary
Scores of Richfield residents told the City Council they are traumatized by recent federal immigration enforcement, citing arrests near schools, closed businesses and children missing class. Speakers urged eviction moratoria, removal of Flock cameras and emergency ordinances; council pledged to review options and seek targeted, legal steps.
Hundreds of residents packed an extended public comment period at the Richfield City Council meeting on Jan. 13 to describe fear and economic harm they say followed recent federal immigration enforcement actions in the city.
"The personal fear and trauma and horror happening in our community are real," said Heidi Guiber, a Richfield resident, who told the council that immigrant neighbors are staying home, businesses are closing and children are missing school. "ICE is unneeded and unwanted here."
Several speakers asked the council to take near-term, local actions. Alicia Waters, a Richfield resident, cited the city charter (Appendix A, ch. 3, sec. 3.06) and city code (ch. 13, sec. 13.05.25) and asked the council to adopt an emergency ordinance prohibiting ICE or other federal agents from using public property in ways that she said facilitate raids. "Prohibiting ICE from using public property is something I believe you can do to ensure the future vitality of our community," she said.
Other residents pressed the council to pause or end the city's contract with Flock (license-plate/vehicle surveillance) and to consider a narrowly tailored eviction moratorium for residents who can show their loss of income was caused by enforcement activity. "We need action, not just words," said Landon McKay, a Richfield resident who called for disabling or removing Flock cameras.
Council members expressed sympathy and urgency while noting limits on municipal authority over federal agents. "We stand with you in solidarity and love," Mayor Supple said in opening remarks. Council member Hayford O'Leary called the incidents "deplorable" and urged the council to pursue everything legally available to protect residents.
City staff and council agreed to compile the suggestions raised, to report back on what is legally and practically available (including possible emergency ordinances and the feasibility of a short, narrowly scoped eviction moratorium), and to consult the Police Department about Flock data-sharing and enforcement options.
The meeting produced specific follow-ups rather than immediate policy changes. City Manager Rodriguez said staff would review the proposals and work to provide an item-by-item response at the next meeting. Several speakers asked the city to compile a public record of federal enforcement activity in Richfield; Jim Riley, a resident, said that record would support future litigation and accountability efforts.
The council extended open forum to 90 minutes to accommodate the number of speakers and allowed one ADA-accommodated speaker five minutes for remarks. The city plans to return updates and possible ordinance language at an upcoming council meeting.
