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Kandiyohi commissioners urge professional standards for ICE operations, plan joint op-ed
Summary
Several Kandiyohi County commissioners described troubling local encounters with ICE enforcement and said they are drafting an op-ed with a Ramsey County commissioner and engaging state leaders; the board discussed potential next steps while reaffirming support for local law enforcement.
KANDIYOHI COUNTY, Minn. — County commissioners used part of their Feb. 17 meeting to air concerns about recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in the region and outlined early steps to raise the issue publicly and with state leaders.
The chair said he and others are preparing a joint op-ed with Ramsey County Commissioner Garrison McMurtry to document local impacts and urge change. "We are working on a joint op ed piece, specifically talking about a lot of the impacts that you're referencing," the chair said, and reported a meeting with Senate Majority Leader Aaron Murphy to discuss next steps.
Several commissioners recounted incidents they said reflected troubling enforcement practices. "If there's going to be an ICE presence left in Minnesota, it needs to revert back to the professionals and not the cowboys," the chair said, calling for adherence to professional standards. Commissioner Burke described a local case she said involved racial profiling and urged stronger local and legislative responses.
Commissioners emphasized support for local law enforcement while saying they want to change how federal operations are carried out in their communities. The group said they will continue outreach with state leaders and finalize the op-ed for publication.
