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Residents press Pelican Rapids council on ICE collaboration and ask for letter supporting immigrant residents
Summary
Two residents asked whether the Pelican Rapids Police Department collaborates with ICE and urged the council to sign a letter supporting immigrant community members; council and staff said the local police do not conduct joint enforcement operations with ICE and that the matter may be considered further.
During public comment at the April 14 Pelican Rapids City Council meeting, residents pressed the council on whether the city or its police department cooperates with federal immigration enforcement.
Matthew Hainer, identifying his street address, said federal agents have been arresting people on immigration status in the state and alleged that several people from Pelican Rapids had been taken. In his remarks he said federal agents were operating to arrest people solely on immigration status and used a derogatory term in characterizing the agents. Hainer asked the council and police for a public answer.
Council and staff responded that the Pelican Rapids Police Department has not conducted joint operations with ICE and that, in general, local police often do not know in advance when federal immigration actions occur. Staff noted some isolated incidents in which federal agents used public facilities but said the department has not gone out on joint enforcement operations with ICE.
Kenon Moen (spelled out on the record) said he did not live inside city limits but asked the council to sign a previously circulated letter affirming the city's vision and support for immigrant residents. He said signing would send a clear message of support.
Council did not take formal action on the request to sign a letter during the meeting; members said the public comment was on the record and could be considered for a future agenda item.
