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Residents urge city action after ICE detentions and criticize mayor’s New York Times comments
Summary
During open mic, residents described fear and economic impacts from ICE activity, cited the detention and death of Victor Manual Diaz in ICE custody, and asked the council to join Cities for Safe and Stable Communities; the mayor read an Open Mic response and councilmembers offered follow-up engagement.
Multiple Coon Rapids residents used the Feb. 17 open-mic period to urge the city to take steps after recent federal immigration enforcement actions and criticized comments the mayor reportedly made to the New York Times.
Jim Shegstad told the council that the mayor’s comments in the New York Times were “unhelpful” and asked city leadership to step up. Brett Ortler read material about the city and said the business community and students are feeling fear; he characterized a recent ICE operation as “targeted harassment.” Angela Nelson, an elementary principal, said the impacts of ICE have been detrimental and called for a plan from city leadership to address economic and mental-health effects.
Alanna Calio referenced Victor Manual Diaz, who worked in Coon Rapids and was detained by ICE; she said he was later sent to Texas and was found dead in ICE custody under suspicious circumstances and urged the council to act to protect children and support businesses. Multiple speakers asked the council to consider joining Cities for Safe and Stable Communities; Becky Fink noted the League of Minnesota Cities had suggested city participation in an assessment of ICE impacts.
Mayor Koch later read the Open Mic response regarding federal law enforcement questions. Councilmember Christopher Geisler thanked those who spoke; Councilmember Peter Butler offered to stay after the meeting to speak with community members. The council did not take immediate formal action during the meeting but acknowledged residents’ concerns and indicated staff and members would follow up.
The public record captures residents’ concerns about enforcement impacts on families, businesses and charitable food delivery and calls for city-level engagement and policy consideration.
