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Mendota Heights council reaffirms police policy limiting local role in immigration enforcement after residents raise ICE concerns
Summary
The City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2026-11 reaffirming Police Policy 412, which limits Mendota Heights officers’ role in federal immigration enforcement, after residents described aggressive ICE tactics and police outlined limits on local authority and options for residents to protect themselves.
MENDOTA HEIGHTS, Minn. — The Mendota Heights City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2026-11 on Feb. 4 reaffirming the city’s support for Police Department Policy 412, a policy that constrains local law-enforcement involvement in federal immigration enforcement.
Police Chief Kelly McCarthy told the council she has spent more than 60 hours in formal meetings on the issue over the past three weeks and said she has received dozens of resident messages; she said Dakota County has logged roughly 400 calls related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity. “We will not assist ICE,” McCarthy said, adding that Mendota Heights officers will respond to 911 calls and attempt to de‑escalate incidents but cannot interfere with federal operations.
City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson said the city is providing resources through the municipal website and coordinating with partners to help residents stay informed. She said the city and its legal counsel are monitoring a pending lawsuit involving the state and several cities; any formal request to join would come to the council for consideration.
Residents described several recent encounters with ICE: one called the agents’ anonymity and mask use “the definition of kidnapping,” another reported a violent vehicle removal, and others said they had observed what they believed were traffic‑safety violations by federal agents. A resident who identified themself as Skye urged the council to use available ordinances and camera footage to hold ICE accountable.
McCarthy and other councilors urged residents to call 911 when they have concerns and said local officers will respond to complaints. McCarthy clarified her limits: she can request to see a judicial warrant and can advise residents not to open their door without one, but federal agents do not answer to local police and are not required to show warrants to local officers.
Council members framed the vote as a reaffirmation of the city’s values and the department’s oath. Councilor Lorberbaum said community trust and safety are paramount; Councilor Paper thanked residents for speaking and described the officers as “responsive, professional, courteous.” The motion to adopt the resolution was moved by Councilor Lorberbaum, seconded by Councilor Mazzitello, and passed 5–0.
What’s next: The resolution reaffirms local policy and publicizes resources for residents; the city will continue monitoring legal developments and coordinating with county and state partners.
