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Residents tell Minnetonka council ICE activity persists; ask for clearer outreach and eviction protections
Summary
Several residents urged Minnetonka to post clearer guidance and resources related to Operation Metro Surge and immigration enforcement, described observing ICE activity in the community, and called on the city to consider a longer pre-eviction period and louder public support for immigrant residents.
Three residents used the council's public-comment period March 9 to press the city for clearer, more visible outreach on resources and protections linked to Operation Metro Surge and local ICE activity.
Angie Heightsman (Ward 1) told the council she has observed ICE agents in Minnetonka and said the city's website and official newsletter do not prominently list assistance, rental aid or local resources. "There's nothing on the city's website right now that points residents toward community services available to them," she said, asking for clearer navigation to rental assistance and emergency supports.
Jonathan Kent said he and others have drafted suggestions for policy changes and urged the council to consider extending the state's 14-day pre-eviction period. "What we're calling for is for the city to establish a lengthier period ' specifically a 60-day extension," Kent said, describing an addendum he believes would give tenants and service providers more time to respond and avoid displacement.
Sarah Almine (Ward 4) said the city's outward communications, including the Minnetonka memo and social channels, do not reflect the concerns she and neighbors see in the community and urged the council to be "louder" in support of residents, documented and undocumented alike.
City response and next steps: Speakers requested the city post clearer resource links and rental-assistance information in prominent places. No formal policy change was made at the meeting; councilors invited continued dialogue and staff follow-up. City staff did not announce an immediate plan for a specific new outreach page during the meeting.
What to watch: Residents requested visible, low-barrier contacts and better signposting of rental-assistance programs. If council directs staff to act, the city could update its homepage, the Minnetonka memo and social channels and seek partnerships with local service providers.
