Duluth council rejects statewide eviction-moratorium push but adopts ordinance limiting local collaboration with federal immigration enforcement

DULUTH — The Duluth City Council spent much of its meeting on resident testimony and council debate over how the city should respond to recent federal immigration enforcement actions and what support the council should seek from state government.

Public comment and competing proposals

Scores of residents — faith leaders, union members, tenants’ advocates and other community members — urged the council to adopt strong protections for people impacted by recent ICE activity, including a temporary eviction moratorium and immediate rental assistance. Speakers framed the measures as lifesaving for vulnerable families and urged the council to act in solidarity with affected neighbors.

Council debate and votes

Councilors divided over the form and potential effects of state‑level action. Resolution 105, which asked the governor to issue a temporary statewide eviction moratorium paired with emergency assistance, drew vigorous discussion. Several councilors and local affordable‑housing providers warned that a broad moratorium could carry unintended consequences for tenants and small, individual landlords and could complicate voucher programs; others said the urgency warranted stronger protections. On a roll‑call vote the council rejected Resolution 105, 2 in favor and 7 opposed.

The council moved instead to back a companion approach focused on emergency rental assistance and housing stability (Resolution 127), voting to support targeted financial aid and urging state action to get money to local providers quickly.

Ordinance restricting local collaboration with federal enforcement

Separately, the council unanimously approved Ordinance 5, which amends city code to clarify limits on the use of city resources and the scope of cooperation with federal civil immigration enforcement while preserving standard law‑enforcement cooperation on criminal matters and joint task forces. Supporters described the ordinance as formalizing practices that protect civil liberties while allowing legitimate criminal investigations to proceed. Several councilors emphasized the ordinance’s intent to strengthen community trust and to define clear administrative boundaries.

What happens next

The defeat of Resolution 105 does not change the council’s stated concern for housing stability; multiple members said they would continue to press state leaders for emergency rental assistance and other practical supports. The ordinance on immigration collaboration takes immediate effect as local law, and staff were thanked for drafting the language in coordination with the city attorney and public safety leadership.

— Reporting from the Duluth City Council meeting.