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Resident raises alarm over federal agent activity; city administrator gives limited data
Summary
A resident described alleged nighttime federal agent activity and community fear; city administrator Todd reported the city has documented about two dozen law-enforcement contacts involving federal agents and about eight utility-assistance requests, and described outreach to community groups.
A St. Peter resident who identified himself as Andy used the public-comment period to describe security concerns he said immigrant neighbors are experiencing, alleging nighttime drone activity, masked men and federal agents appearing at a local trailer park and a cooperative’s parking lot.
"My immigrant neighbors and neighbors of color have continued to be terrified for their lives and their livelihoods," Andy said, urging the council to keep the issue "at the forefront" of city attention.
In response during the reports section, Todd, the city administrator, told the council the city has documented roughly two dozen law-enforcement contacts involving federal agents that have required local attention. He said the city has recorded about eight utility-assistance requests that may reflect residents affected by the activity but cautioned that those figures are based on limited and sometimes voluntary reporting: "That doesn't mean federal agents haven't been in town more than that, but that it does mean that's where we've been called or we've observed or we've provided attendance," Todd said.
Todd outlined ongoing communications and outreach with local organizations — including mosque-affiliated groups and providers of food and transportation assistance — and said staff are coordinating with the Nicollet County Sheriff, the county attorney and the local police department to share information and plan responses. He also warned that some data (for example, requests for assistance) are not required to be reported and so may undercount community impacts.
The council asked follow-up questions about recent communication with community groups, collaboration with county authorities, and whether requests were expected to increase around mid-March; Todd said regular meetings are occurring and that further updates may come to a future meeting.
The council did not take formal action on the topic at this meeting; staff were asked to continue outreach and to report back as more information becomes available.
