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Residents urge Coon Rapids Council to respond to reported ICE activity near school transport
Summary
Multiple residents told the Coon Rapids City Council they have witnessed federal immigration-enforcement (ICE) activity near school bus stops, raised safety concerns for students and families, and asked the Council to issue a statement, explore ordinances, or consider an eviction moratorium.
At the Feb. 2 Coon Rapids City Council meeting, several residents urged the Council to publicly address recent federal immigration‑enforcement activity they said occurred near school transportation and in neighborhoods.
Sheighlyn Berbig of 2279 129th Avenue told the Council she "remains concerned about the safety of transportation to Coon Rapids schools," saying ICE recently stopped school transport vehicles and questioned drivers and that she has not received a response from the city about bus‑stop safety. Jim Shegstad of 2940 119th Lane said residents "have called upon the Council for leadership," and urged the collective body to act. Tom Kiekhafer of 12772 Swallow Street said he had "witnessed ICE activity near school bus stops" and urged the Council to take a stance.
Hannah Diaz asked whether the Council is "working on the development of any ordinances or if they will join other cities in the lawsuit" and asked Mayor Jerry Koch whether he "stands with Coon Rapids." Tanner Larson urged an eviction moratorium, saying many community members are unable to leave their homes or afford rent amid the reported activity. Several speakers, including Mark Seamon and LeeAnn Mortensen, provided examples from other Minnesota cities and asked the Council to denounce masked agents and limit federal staging on City‑owned property unless officials have warrants.
Mayor Jerry Koch had read a Council response to questions about federal law enforcement earlier in the meeting; after public comment, Councilmembers thanked residents for speaking and offered to talk with them after the meeting. No formal motion or council vote to adopt a new policy or ordinance was recorded during the meeting.
The public comments highlight community concern about federal enforcement actions in Coon Rapids and requests for clearer communication from city officials and public‑safety agencies. The Council did not announce further steps on the record at the Feb. 2 meeting; residents requested written statements from individual councilmembers and asked whether the city would pursue ordinances or litigation similar to actions by other Minnesota cities.
