Minneapolis Council Members Back Arresting Federal Agents Violating City Law
Table of Contents
Minneapolis, MN – A growing number of minneapolis city council members are advocating for a policy that would allow local police to arrest federal agents who violate the city’s separation ordinance, a law designed to limit collaboration between local law enforcement and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The proposal comes amid escalating tensions over immigration enforcement and concerns about potential abuses of power, especially with a potential shift in federal governance.
The debate centers on strengthening protections for immigrant communities within Minneapolis. Currently, the city’s 20-year-old separation ordinance lacks clear, enforceable consequences for officers who collaborate with ICE. Advocates argue that codifying discipline, actions, and consequences within the police contract is crucial to ensuring compliance and safeguarding the rights of residents. This move is seen as a proactive step to protect vulnerable populations, especially given concerns about a potential change in federal policy.
Demands for Accountability and contract Changes
Members of the Minneapolis Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC) are leading the charge for stronger protections. We need that contract to include real, enforceable consequences for any officer who collaborates with ICE or violates our separation ordinance,
stated MIRAC member Myrka Zambrano. Council Member Aisha Wonsley, serving on the Enterprise Oversight Committee, echoed this sentiment, saying, I stand with our immigrant neighbors who are demanding the city update what we have found to be a 20-year-old ordinance.
Wonsley criticized the mayor’s Office for allegedly deferring accountability to the Minnesota Department of human Rights and the Department of Justice, particularly after a federal consent decree was dismissed last summer. She emphasized the need to codify discipline, actions, and consequences in the police contract when officers are found to have violated our separation ordinance.
Similarly, Javier Chavez called for an updated ordinance with stronger penalties, stating, We certainly know that a police union contract with language codifying violations is something we desperately need. If it’s in the contract,there will be real consequences for violations,especially under a Trump administration.
Federal Criticism and Legal Arguments
The city’s separation policies have drawn criticism from federal officials. At a press conference held at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, Department of Homeland Security adviser Kristi Noem asserted that Minneapolis’ policies contribute to increased violent crime, claiming, Under the leadership of Mayor Frey and Gov. Walz, more violent crimes are being perpetuated in these communities as of their refusal to defend American citizens.
notably, journalists from the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder and Sahan Journal were reportedly denied press access to that event.
Michelle Gross of Minneapolis for a Better Police Contract highlighted the legal basis for perhaps arresting federal agents. Good legal research has shown that local law enforcement can arrest ICE and othre federal agents if they violate the law,
she stated, advocating for this authority to be codified in policy and enforced through the police contract.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2025/11/23 | Council members discuss arresting federal agents |
| Last Summer | Federal consent decree dismissed |
| Last Month | Kristi Noem criticizes Minneapolis policies |
Did You Know?
Minneapolis already has a separation ordinance, but advocates argue it lacks the teeth to effectively prevent collaboration between local police and ICE.
Mayor Jacob Frey has expressed opposition to the idea of arresting federal agents, deeming it perilous
and irresponsible.
Though, MIRAC member die Do Mir dismissed the mayor’s comments, stating, I don’t really care what he has to say as he’s not doing anything anyways. When he comes back with a list of ways he’s going to protect immigrants, then we’re going to listen.
Similar proposals have surfaced in other cities. San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have suggested arresting federal agents who violate California’s upcoming ban on ICE agents wearing masks. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche cautioned about a potential standoff with the White House. Council President Payne affirmed his commitment to accountability, stating, I am very much on record in holding any agent of any agency accountable to our laws and arresting them if they break our laws.
As of today, November 23, 2025, the City Attorney’s Office and the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office have not responded to inquiries regarding the potential for arresting federal agents.
Pro Tip:
Understanding the legal complexities of federal preemption is crucial when considering policies that impact federal law enforcement activities.
The job of our Minneapolis Police is to protect us, not federal agents that come here to harm our community,
concluded Michelle Gross.
What are your thoughts on the balance between local control and federal authority in immigration enforcement? Do you believe arresting federal agents is a viable solution to protect immigrant communities?
Background on Separation Ordinances
Separation ordinances,also known as sanctuary policies,are local laws designed to limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. These policies vary widely, ranging from prohibiting officers from inquiring about a person’s immigration status to refusing to honor ICE detainers. The legal basis for these ordinances is frequently enough rooted in the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states and the people. The debate surrounding these policies often centers on issues of federal preemption – the idea that federal law takes precedence over state and local laws when there is a conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a separation ordinance? A separation ordinance is a local law limiting cooperation between local police and federal immigration authorities like ICE.
- Why are Minneapolis council members considering this measure? Council members aim to strengthen protections for immigrant communities and ensure accountability for any police collaboration with ICE.
- Is it legal for local police to arrest federal agents? legal experts suggest it is possible if federal agents violate local laws, but this is a complex legal issue.
- What is federal preemption? Federal preemption is the principle that federal law takes precedence over state and local laws when there is a conflict.
- What are ICE detainers? ICE detainers are requests from ICE to local law enforcement agencies to hold individuals suspected of being deportable.
