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Eagan mayor and residents press for visible support as federal enforcement affects Somali community
Summary
Mayor McGuire outlined city engagement with the Somali community and intergovernmental coordination after region-wide federal enforcement; residents urged stronger public statements and protections while staff described meetings with community leaders and law-enforcement coordination.
At the Feb. 2 Eagan City Council meeting residents and council members focused significant time on regional federal immigration enforcement actions and their impact on the local Somali and East African communities.
Mayor McGuire addressed the situation during council comments, saying the city has been actively engaged in community outreach and intergovernmental coordination. He described a community meeting convened by city staff with Somali and East African residents and said city staff, including Chief Omari, have been meeting with community members and immigrant-owned businesses. The mayor emphasized the council’s preference for carefully targeted, enforceable actions rather than symbolic measures that could unintentionally inflame the situation.
Members of the public urged more visible public statements. Amina, introduced as a member of SALT (Somali American Leaders Table), told the council federal actions and accompanying rhetoric have ‘‘dehumanized’’ Somali residents, causing fear, reduced mobility and reliance on community-organized grocery and school support. She called on elected officials to speak out and to use their platforms to counter what she described as damaging public rhetoric.
Caitlin Werberton, who said she has been involved in rapid response efforts, described witnessing federal agents interacting with community members in local commercial areas and asked the city to be more outspoken. Both speakers said silence can be interpreted as tacit agreement with federal actions.
City Administrator Anna Miller summarized administrative work: staff have been coordinating with the City Managers Association, the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, Metro Cities and neighboring mayors; the city has a statement of commitment posted on its website and plans to continue convening mayors to consider a coordinated suburban response. Council members expressed frustration and said regional coordination — rather than isolated municipal gestures — is likely to be more effective.
Mayor McGuire said the council and staff will continue both visible and 'behind the scenes' efforts, and encouraged patience while the city balances urgent community needs with ongoing municipal responsibilities.
What’s next: The city will continue community outreach, coordinate with regional partners and monitor developments; residents asked the council to consider additional public messaging and rapid-response support.
