Resident urges Brooklyn Park to ban ICE from city lots; mayor reaffirms city does not enforce federal immigration laws

At public comment, resident Paula Weekley urged Brooklyn Park to follow Minneapolis and prohibit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from using city-owned parking lots for staging or enforcement operations, specifically naming an EDA-owned property at West Broadway and Brooklyn Boulevard that she said houses immigrant-owned businesses and a small-business center.

"There were at least 3 abductions over the weekend that were witnessed by our community observers," Weekley told the council, and she asked the city to join or support the lawsuit filed by the state attorney general and the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Weekley acknowledged she understood the city attorney had advised that the city may not be legally able to impose such a ban but said she wanted the city to issue a statement or take action to support the community.

Mayor Winston later read a city statement addressing stepped-up federal immigration enforcement in the region, saying Brooklyn Park is "deeply saddened" by recent events and reaffirming the city's commitment to community safety and dignity. "Our city does not enforce federal immigration laws," Winston said, and added that the city is focused on maintaining public safety and supporting residents so they feel safe seeking city services.

City staff referred to a legal opinion that limits what the city can unilaterally do regarding federal immigration enforcement activities on privately or federally controlled property. The city manager reminded the council of resources the city has compiled on its human-rights webpage and said staff would continue to seek options within the law to protect residents.

No formal action or vote to adopt a prohibition on ICE activity occurred during the meeting. The council recessed later for a work session on housing policy.