In memo to staff, Minneapolis PD reaffirms policy of not aiding immigration enforcement
Following a chaotic clash between federal officials and protesters outside a Mexican restaurant in south Minneapolis, the city's assistant police chief is reiterating the department's stance on assisting with immigration enforcement.
Katie Blackwell sent the memo late last week to their sworn and civilian staff members, reaffirming their police officers are not allowed to respond or assist in any "immigration enforcement-related activity" and also shall not "assist with crowd control at an immigration enforcement related activity."
Last week, a crowd of protesters gathered outside Las Cuatro Milpas restaurant on Lake Street and Bloomington Avenue in south Minneapolis after rumors floated that a immigration enforcement operation was underway. Local and federal officials have since confirmed they were not conducting a deportation raid, but rather carrying out search warrants related to a large-scale drug and money laundering investigation.
Minneapolis Police Department came in for criticism from some elected officials after officers were called in to provide crowd control services while the operation was carried out.
Police Chief Brian O'Hara criticized federal law enforcement for the "tone deaf" manner in which the operation was conducted, and says his department wasn't informed until it was already underway.A spokesperson for the department tells KARE 11 the memo 'serves as a clear reminder of the Minneapolis Police Department's longstanding policy and the City's ordinance prohibiting involvement in federal civil immigration enforcement activities.'
They went on to say: 'Our role remains focused on addressing criminal activity and maintaining public safety, while respecting the boundaries set by city ordinance and department policy."
Ongoing immigration raids carried out by the Trump administration have drawn backlash and demonstrations in cities across the country. President Donald Trump has ordered the National Guard and Marines to respond to ongoing clashes between protesters and law enforcement in Los Angeles, drawing criticism from Governor Gavin Newsom, who says California's state sovereignty is being violated.
A national day of protest dubbed 'No Kings' is planned for Saturday. A local group has organized a march and rally at the State Capitol in St. Paul.
This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
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