A Message from Mayor Dave Ostwald
Published on January 23, 2026
Over the past several weeks, I have had conversations with many of you at City Council Meetings, in our churches, schools and businesses, and within our community at large. I have listened to your concerns, questions and fears about immigration enforcement activities in our region.
These conversations have reinforced what I already know about Fridley: we are a community that cares deeply about one another. People deserve to feel safe and know their neighbors are protected.
To be clear, the City does not control federal immigration enforcement operations, nor can we prevent their actions. What we can control is how our own city government operates. I assure you that our Police Department will continue to serve every member of our community fairly, professionally and without discrimination.
I have complete faith in Public Safety Director Ryan George and every member of our Fridley Police Department. They have built trust within the community over decades through professionalism, responsiveness and commitment to treating everyone with respect and dignity. That will not change.
I encourage you to read Director George’s detailed statement addressing the Fridley Police Department's role and responsibilities regarding immigration enforcement. It provides important clarity about what our police department can and cannot do and reaffirms our commitment to serve everyone in our community.
Read Director George's Statement
To everyone in Fridley, you are a valued member of this community. Your value is not dependent on how long you have lived here, where you were born or your immigration status. The City of Fridley is here to serve you. Our police department is here to provide impartial public safety services, regardless of immigration status. Our City staff are here to support you.
If you need help, call 9-1-1. If you have questions about City services, contact City Hall. If you want to make your voice heard, reach out to your Councilmember or me directly.
Your Fridley City Council will continue to work on your behalf to keep Fridley a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
Dave Ostwald, City of Fridley Mayor