Maple Grove residents and police spar in public comments over federal immigration enforcement presence

Police Chief Eric Werner told the Maple Grove City Council on Jan. 20 that the city does not enforce immigration laws and is not involved in federal immigration enforcement, as dozens of residents described fear, alleged racial profiling and economic disruption from recent U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in the community.

Werner, introduced as Police Chief Eric Werner, said the department’s role is limited to traffic direction, crowd control and calls for service and that officers do not ask about immigration status or share information to enforce immigration violations. "It is important to know the city does not enforce immigration laws and was not involved in federal immigration matters," Werner said, adding that the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association met with DHS representatives this past week to press for better communication and accountability.

That clarification followed public comments from residents who described immediate effects on everyday life. April Carlson, a Maple Grove resident, said children are staying home from school and families are afraid to use public spaces. "These kids are scared," Carlson said, asking the council to plan safety measures and provide pathways to help families locate missing relatives.

Resident and small-business owner Drae Solberg said appointments and bookings have dwindled because customers fear leaving their homes. "When residents are afraid to leave their homes, businesses suffer," Solberg said, and urged the city to limit cooperation with federal agencies "beyond what is legally required" and to publicly report any actions taken.

Sean Wade, a resident who said he has acted as a legal observer, raised concerns about accountability and the ability to report alleged misconduct by federal agents. He cited comments from Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley that agents sometimes operate without nametags and that DHS leadership can be difficult to reach; Wade said that undermines residents’ trust in reporting incidents.

Residents also raised privacy and safety questions: Jenny Xin asked whether the city will share local surveillance, automatic license plate reader data or DMV information with federal authorities; Lizzie Stelten reported observing federal agents driving recklessly; and Diane Tigner questioned whether police resources were being spent protecting ICE personnel at local hotels.

Mayor Mark Steffenson thanked speakers and urged calm while promising staff follow-up. Werner said he has direct contact numbers for federal leaders and encouraged residents to file complaints and to contact the Police Department when they observe concerning activity. The Police Department also posted resources and complaint instructions on the city website, Werner said.

The council did not adopt new local restrictions or formal limitations on cooperation with federal agencies at the Jan. 20 meeting; members said staff will follow up with additional information and resources. Residents were encouraged to report incidents to the Maple Grove Police Department so the city can document alleged federal misconduct and pursue accountability through federal channels.