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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 26-12 Affirming Community Values and City Action Related to Immigration Enforcement and Responsible Stewardship of City ResourcesCITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS COUNCIL RESOLUTION January 28,2026 No. 26-XX ?l-\L A RESOLUTION AFFIRMING COMMUNITY VALUES AND CITY ACTION RELATED TO IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT AND RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP OF CITY RESOURCES WHEREAS, the City of Falcon Heights is committed to serving all residents and visitors with dignity, respect, and fairness, and to fostering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive community; and WHEREAS, as of 2023, the U.S. Census Bureau identifies that approximately 17.6% of the resident population of the City of Falcon Heights consisted of foreign-born individuals and each of these individuals brings a unique perspective to our community; and WHEREAS, the City operates its programs and services in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, including 8 U.S.C. $ 1373, while exercising only the authority granted to it under state and local law; and WHEREAS, in August2020, the City Council adopted an amendment to the City's Administrative Manual, Section I: Standards Concerning Communication and Enforcement of Immigration Laws, clarifuing that the City does not operate its programs for the purpose of enforcing federal immigration laws; and WHEREAS, on February 5,2025, the City Council reviewed the City's existing policies related to immigration enforcement and the use of City resources, and on February 10,2025, the City issued a public statement affirming its commitment to the safety and well-being of all community members; and WHEREAS, on May 14,2025, the City Council adopted its2025 Goal Setting Process Report. One of the ongoing goals in that report is for the City to continue to explore options to enhance community within Falcon Heights for the pu{pose of reducing polarization locally through cultivating a caring community and strengthening community connections; and WHEREAS, on December 5, 2025, in response to the attempt to end the temporary protected status by the federal government, the City issued a statement of support for its Somali and Karen residents, recognizing the importance of belonging, safety, and community trust, and the City's commitment to nondiscrimination based on race or immigration status; and WHEREAS, on January 12,2026, the City issued a statement in its weekly newsletter remembering Renee Good, recognizing the fear, anxiety, and grief of residents caused by recent unprecedented immigration enforcement operations; and WHEREAS, on January 26,2026 the City issued a statement in our weekly newsletter remembering Alex Pretti, and provided a list of community resources of ways residents can help their neighbors; and WHEREAS, the City continues to connect residents to available immigration resources through the City's newsletter and website, and reaffirming the City's commitment to the safety, well- being and trust of all residents, neighbors, and visitors; and WHEREAS, the City Council has discussed and invited public engagement, and will continue to do so, on how to approach the potential use of City property for federal immigration enforcement staging, including City parks and other City-owned facilities, and the importance of clear communication with staff, the public, and law enforcement partners regarding permissible uses of City property; and WHEREAS, the City values its partnerships with state and federal law enforcement agencies in matters involving criminal activity and public safety, while adhering to the City's limited authority to enforce state and local laws in a nondiscriminatory manner; and WHEREAS, the City Council seeks to reduce community fear and confusion, and restore community trust in the City's commitment to public safety and welfare for all individuals, regardless of immigration status, by clearly reafhrming the City's position regarding the stewardship of public resources, including City property. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota: 1. The City Council affirms that the City of Falcon Heights does not participate in or carry out civil immigration enforcement and does not operate its programs or services for the purpose of enforcing federal immigration laws. 2. Falcon Heights is committed to stewarding its resources for the benefit of the public as a whole in accordance with state public purpose expenditures law. City-owned property, including but not limited to parks, buildings and parking lots, facilities, personnel, or resources may not be used for the purpose of mobilizing, staging, preparing, or deploying vehicles, equipment, materials, or personnel for the purpose of enforcing federal immigration law. 3. Nothing in this resolution limits the City's authority or obligation to enforce state and local laws in a nondiscriminatory manner, or to respond to criminal activity or public safety emergencies within the City. 4. The City Council affirms its commitment to the equal treatment of all residents and visitors in the provision of City services and access to City facilities, regardless of immigration status or national origin. 5. The City Council directs staff to continue reviewing existing policies and ordinances related to the use of City resources, to return with any recommended updates, and to provide opportunities for further community engagement.. Moved by: |\o3e.n Approved C GUSTAFSON MAY MIELKE MOGEN WASSENBERG 5 In Favor Attested by Against_o Administrator