The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) confirmed this week that federal immigration enforcement activity has increased at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), prompting concerns from community groups and raising questions about the scope of federal authority within a publicly-owned facility. The increase comes as the Biden administration continues to grapple with immigration policy and as federal agencies, including Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), assert broad access to airport properties.
According to a statement released by the MAC on January 15, 2026, federal agents have broad access to the airfield, pre- and post-security areas in the terminals, and public spaces like parking ramps and lots. The commission stated it “cannot interfere with law enforcement operations” conducted by these agencies, nor can it “limit access for federal agencies to airport properties.” This position reflects a long-standing legal precedent granting federal authorities significant latitude within transportation hubs.
The increased activity follows a December 2025 update to Minneapolis’s separation ordinance, which aims to limit the city’s participation in federal immigration enforcement. The ordinance, codified through an executive order by Mayor Frey, prevents ICE from staging operations on city-owned lots and ramps. However, the ordinance does not extend to the MSP airport, which is governed by the MAC, a separate entity. The Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) has affirmed its commitment to community policing and stated it will not take actions to determine a person’s immigration status unless it is directly related to a criminal investigation, such as human trafficking or smuggling.
Concerns about the increased federal presence at MSP were further amplified by a January 28, 2026, report from NPR detailing issues with CBP’s training and preparedness for urban policing. The report highlighted a history of excessive force allegations against CBP and noted that agents deployed to Minnesota often lack experience in navigating complex urban environments. The report cited a 2014 recommendation to equip CBP officers with less-lethal weapons, such as pepper spray, a change that was subsequently implemented.
The situation at MSP mirrors a broader trend of increased federal immigration enforcement throughout the Twin Cities, as acknowledged by the MPD. The department has stated its commitment to protecting the safety of all residents, regardless of immigration status, and to building community trust. However, the MPD’s ability to fully address community concerns is constrained by the federal government’s authority over immigration enforcement within the airport.
Registration of firearms brought into the Minneapolis-St. Paul area by federal agents also requires specific procedures. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, individuals must complete CBP Form 4457, bring the completed form with the unloaded firearm secured in a locked case, and present federal government identification to the CBP Office at Terminal 2 of the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport.
The MAC and the MSP Airport Police Department (APD) have stated they do not receive advance notice of or coordinate immigration enforcement activity. This lack of coordination has raised concerns among airport stakeholders about potential disruptions and the impact on the airport’s reputation for smooth operations. The MAC maintains that it expects all federal officers to act with professionalism and respect, but acknowledges its limited ability to influence their actions.
