Title
City Council actions in response to SPPD conduct during federal immigration enforcement.
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WHEREAS, on the morning of November 25, 2025, in the Payne-Phalen neighborhood, community members reported that they witnessed Saint Paul Police Department (“SPPD”) officers using force on residents who were exercising their First Amendment rights to observe and protest an action undertaken by federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”); and
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul (“City”) adopted ORD 04-316 on May 5, 2004 that establishes a clear line of separation between the actions of local law enforcement and those of federal immigration authorities, in order to maintain and strengthen public safety by ensuring that all residents—regardless of immigration status—feel safe seeking assistance from local law enforcement; and
WHEREAS, the events of November 25, 2025 have created public doubt surrounding the integrity of the City’s separation ordinance and the conduct of SPPD officers; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has received calls from the public demanding transparency, accountability, and a clear investigative response; and
WHEREAS, under Section 4.07 of the City Charter, “the council may make investigations into the affairs of the city and the conduct of any department, office, or agency”; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds it necessary and appropriate to initiate a thorough review of ORD 04-316 and of SPPD’s use of force during the November 25, 2025 incident; and
WHEREAS, the City Council further finds it necessary to conduct an audit of public costs incurred as a result of the November 25, 2025 incident;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Saint Paul, Minnesota, commits to:
1) Conducting an analysis, including a public discussion, of ORD 04-316 and other legal limitations on City law enforcement as well as on the operations of federal immigration enforcement officers acting within the City...
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