Moorhead ad hoc committee outlines resources after ICE concerns as residents press for separation ordinance

Mayor Shelly Carlson updated the Moorhead City Council on the April 3 meeting of a mayoral ad hoc committee focused on federal immigration enforcement, saying the group aimed to ensure residents had "accurate information, access to resources, and a sense of safety." The committee gathered input from school, law enforcement, housing and nonprofit partners and agreed on next steps including updated outreach materials and a community "huddle" planned for early June.

The mayor described data presented by Moorhead Public Schools showing a temporary 5–7% dip in student attendance in January–February that returned to normal in March, which the superintendent said reflected stability for families and students. The Moorhead Police Department reviewed an informational flyer distributed in January and agreed to revise the wording to be more welcoming and accessible; the flyer states the Moorhead Police Department "does not ask about or immigration status, does not arrest or detain individuals based on immigration status, and does not enforce civil immigration law," and translations into seven languages are being reviewed by community partners.

Councilmembers and committee participants flagged gaps that require follow-up. Councilmember Heather Nesemeier said nonprofits reported reduced foot traffic for some businesses tied to fear generated on social media and urged continued discussion of business assistance. Councilmember Sebastian McDougall said Justice North plans to add two immigration-focused attorneys and a paralegal to expand civil legal assistance for paperwork and processing; McDougall and others emphasized that a one-time allocation will not meet all needs.

The council approved, as part of the consent agenda, $25,000 in SAHA funds that City Manager Molly said will be distributed through CAPLP to help individuals facing housing instability tied to immigration issues. Mayor Carlson said this funding and improved resource coordination are immediate steps while the committee works on longer-term options including translation quality, mental-health supports and potential business assistance.

Several residents told the council information alone is insufficient and urged policy action. "This lack of action and actionable items disgusts me," resident Kat Stewart said, calling for a separation ordinance and rent-stabilization measures. Resident Catherine Ferguson read a statement urging the mayor and council to "publicly and forcefully" support BIPOC and immigrant neighbors. Julissa Philippi, who described volunteering outside a church to give congregants peace of mind, argued that symbolic measures and visible solidarity matter to people who fear enforcement actions.

City staff and council members said the ad hoc group would meet again May 1 to refine materials and invite additional partners (Clay County Social Services, Clay County Public Health, CAPLP and West Central Initiative). Justice North agreed to lead a community huddle in early June to share information more broadly. Mayor Carlson closed the update by thanking committee members for their participation and noting the group's intention to continue translating materials and connecting residents to legal, housing and food resources.

What happens next: the ad hoc committee is scheduled to reconvene May 1 and Justice North will coordinate the early-June community huddle; council members indicated they will continue to press for clarity on translation, eligibility limits for CAPLP funds, and whether additional policy actions such as a separation ordinance or rent stabilization should be brought forward for council consideration.