HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 26-019 - Affirming Council Stance on Community Safety, Inclusion and ImmigrationCITY OF SAINT ANTHONY VILLAGE
RESOLUTION 26-019
A RESOLUTION AFFIRMING COUNCIL STANCE ON COMMUNITY SAFETY,
INCLUSION AND IMMIGRATION
WHEREAS, The City of Saint Anthony Village is a diverse and welcoming community whose
residents include immigrants, refugees, longtime residents, workers, students,
families, and business owners who contribute to the social, cultural, and economic
life of the city; and
WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that the recent, verifiable, visible increase in federal
immigration enforcement practices have generated fear and anxiety in the
community, and have led to observable community impacts such as decreased
school attendance, disruption of daily activities and work attendance, and
heightened concern for the personal safety of individuals and families, including
children; and
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Anthony Village recognizes that the United States federal
government is responsible for enforcing federal civil immigration laws, but also
affirms that public safety is best served through transparency, accountability, and
trust between residents and those exercising law -enforcement authority; and.
WHEREAS, fear, uncertainty, and the perception of unchecked or unclear federal enforcement
activity can undermine public safety, discourage cooperation with public safety
and emergency responders, deter residents from accessing critical public services,
and erode trust in government institutions; and
WHEREAS, the City has an obligation to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of all
residents and to speak clearly when conditions arise that threaten community
stability, even where our direct regulatory authority is limited.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of City of Saint Anthony
Village, Minnesota:
1. Formally acknowledges the fear and disruption being experienced by residents
because of increased federal immigration enforcement activity within the
community and affirms its commitment to the safety and dignity of all who
live and work in Saint Anthony Village.
2. Urges federal immigration authorities operating within Saint Anthony Village
to conduct any enforcement activities in a manner that prioritizes
transparency, clear identification, and de-escalation, and that minimizes
unnecessary fear or disruption to the public.
3. Directs the Mayor and City Manager to communicate with Governor Tim
Walz and appropriate State of Minnesota officials to request consideration of
a temporary, statewide moratorium on residential evictions for households that
have experienced substantial financial hardship associated with the recent
surge in federal immigration enforcement activity.
4. Affirms that city staff will continue to provide residents with public
information regarding available community resources related to their rights,
and appropriate points of contact for public safety concerns, in coordination
with trusted local and state organizations where appropriate.
5. Affirms the St. Anthony Police Department (SAPD) will continue to uphold
the philosophy of community based policing and operate under SAPD Policy
Manual, Policy 413 and will not engage in federal immigration enforcement
activities except as legally required.
6. Does not purport to regulate or restrict federal authority, but rather to formally
communicate the City's position and the impacts being experienced locally,
and affirms its commitment to the ethical treatment of all residents and
visitors in the provision of City services and access to City services,
regardless of immigration status or national origin.
Approved this 10th day of February, 2026.
Wendy ebster, Mayor
ATTEST-
Nicole DeDeyn, City Jerk
Review for Administration: a /_
Charlie Yunker, City Manager