Immigration Resources
The City of Fridley has received a variety of inquiries during heightened federal immigration enforcement operations in our region. A webpage has been created to house resources including flyers, statements and messaging, and a question and answer section.
Reassurance to the Fridley Community: Every member of our community will receive fair and impartial service, regardless of immigration status. If you need help, call 9-1-1.
Engaging with Fridley Police
Fridley Police do not enforce immigration. In addition:
Fridley Police will not:
- Ask about a person's immigration status.
- Conduct investigative stops or take action against an individual based solely on race, ethnicity or national origin.
- Share records with federal authorities (other than data requests governed by the State law).
Fridley Police will:
- Be easily identifiable by their badges, badge numbers, patches and/or vest placards.
- Respond if you have concerns about the legitimacy of any law enforcement officers or if a suspicious vehicle is attempting to conduct a traffic stop or box in an individual.
- Operate in a professional and constitutional manner, without exception.
Resources
The City has created materials to help residents identify Fridley Police officers, including images of uniforms, badges, patches and squad cars. It also covers what Fridley Police will and will not do related to immigration enforcement. The City does not have jurisdiction to regulate or prevent federal law enforcement tactics.
Know your rights
The Minnesota Office of Ombudsperson for Families has a list of resources for immigrant communities, or anyone who works with immigrant communities. This includes materials on knowing your rights, immigration law resources and other community support.
File a complaint
The City encourages residents to document and report the incident to state and federal officials if they believe their constitutional rights have been violated. The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office has provided a Federal Action Reporting form where individuals can report concerns or suspected unlawful activity involving immigration enforcement. This allows concerns to be reviewed by the appropriate authorities.
Emergency Resources
- The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families has a cash-grant program to help resolve an emergency situation such as evictions, foreclosures or utility shutoffs. Applicants must meet income guidelines to apply.
- Anoka County has emergency programs available to qualifying persons to prevent homelessness or utility shut off, including families with and without children in the home.
- The Minnesota Office of Ombudsperson for Families has information on food, health and immigration resources.
- The Office of Minnesota Attorney General has best practices and tips for hiring an attorney.
- The Minnesota Department of Human Services - Resettlement Programs Office has a Refugee and Immigrant Helpline, interactive map to find specialized services and free legal advice from an immigration lawyer.
Statements and Messages from the City
The City of Fridley Public Safety Director (Police Chief) and Mayor have provided various updates on the website, social media and at City Council meetings.
Previous statements and messages
- March 2 - Joint Statement of the Fridley City Council: The Fridley City Council wrote a joint statement addressing the heightened federal immigration enforcement actions. In this statement, Councilmembers outline the City's role and reaffirm their dedication to advocating for and supporting the Fridley Community.
- February 9 - Update from Public Safety Director Ryan George: Public Safety Director Ryan George provides an update during the Open Forum portion of the February 9 City Council Meeting regarding the questions and comments raised by the community at the previous City Council Meeting.
- January 30 - Update from Mayor Dave Ostwald: This update includes a copy of a letter sent to state and federal representatives to demand a meeting with Fridley City Council to address the crisis unfolding in the community. The letter includes a summary of testimonies provided by residents at the January 26 City Council Meeting Open Forum.
- January 23 - Message from Mayor Dave Ostwald: The message addresses the conversations Mayor Ostwald has had with the community regarding immigration enforcement activities in the region.
- January 23 - Statement from Public Safety Director Ryan George: Public Safety Director Ryan George wrote a statement to the Fridley community regarding immigration enforcement activities to provide clarity on what the Police Department can and cannot do, reaffirm their commitment to serve everyone and to ensure no one hesitates to call for help.
- January 9 - Statement on Immigration Enforcement: The “Statement on Immigration Enforcement” was created in early 2017 and represents the decades-long practice of the Fridley Public Safety Department. The statement was reposted on the City website on January 9 and includes PDFs of the statement in other languages.
Question and Answer
In a variety of conversations with our community, residents have had questions about processes related to immigration enforcement. Questions were summarized and produced in a question and answer section.
Does the City have a clear and public stance to protect the community?
The City has a clear and public statement focused on protecting the safety of the entire community, including schools.
Public Safety Director Ryan George has issued a clear public statement affirming that Fridley Police do not:
• Conduct immigration enforcement
• Ask about immigration status
• Share information with federal immigration authorities.
The Fridley Police Department provides impartial and professional public safety services to every member of the community, regardless of immigration status.
Read the full Statement on Immigration Enforcement
Statement in Other Languages
Read the Statement in Immigration Enforcement in other languages.
Does the City recognize the importance of schools as safe spaces?
There is a long-standing collaborative relationship between Fridley Police and all schools located in the city. The City values the students, staff and families of Fridley schools and is committed to supporting school safety within its authority.
Four School Resource Officers (SROs) are assigned to our schools to maintain a regular presence on school property. SROs focus on relationship building with students while also helping manage safety risks, conducting threat assessments, and responding to emergencies.
Any additional safety-related requests may be submitted by school leadership and will be reviewed by City leadership, including the Fridley Police Department, consistent with our established process. Fridley Police have worked collaboratively with schools many times to address safety concerns when action is within their authority and capacity.
Will the City support a statewide eviction moratorium?
The City does not have the power to enact or enforce an eviction moratorium, that power lies solely with the State. The City has communicated resident concerns to state legislators including Governor Walz, Senator Kunesh and Representatives Koegel and Feist, who have the authority to enact statewide eviction policy. Residents are encouraged to contact their state representatives directly to advocate for this policy change. The City will continue to monitor this matter and provide updates to the City Council.
Read the Mayor's letter
Will the City demand transparency when federal agencies operate within City boundaries?
Federal agencies do not coordinate with or notify the City when conducting operations within Fridley. The City does not have legal authority to compel federal agencies to provide this information or to coordinate with local government. The City has communicated concerns about lack of transparency and coordination in a formal letter (PDF) to state and federal officials who have oversight authority over federal immigration enforcement policy.
How will the City protect political expression and democratic participation in elections-related events such as caucuses, rallies or fundraisers, or on Election Day?
The City does not tolerate voter intimidation or interference with lawful political activities.
Elections-related events such as caucuses, rallies or fundraisers
Fridley Police will provide appropriate law enforcement response to ensure all residents can participate in democratic processes safely. Caucus planning and management is the sole responsibility of the political parties, however the City is coordinating with the parties to ensure caucus sites are safe and accessible.
Election Day
On Election Day, the City coordinates all election-related activities at 10 precincts throughout the City. Each precinct is managed by a Head Judge and a team of trained Election Judges. Except when summoned by an Election Judge to restore the peace, or in response to a 9-1-1 call, no police may stand within 50 feet of a polling place entrance, according to state law.
Can the City clarify the language in bullet point four of the Immigration Enforcement Statement?
Bullet point four states: "The Fridley Police Department will assist local, state and federal law enforcement partners, when requested, with executing search warrants, arrest warrants, or other lawful orders as required by law."
The City is not legally or contractually allowed to assist ICE with immigration enforcement. To do so the City must have a “287(g) Agreement,” which must be approved by the City Council at a public meeting. The City has not entered into, nor is it seeking such an agreement.
Bullet point four is important because the City does assist other federal agencies, such as Homeland Security Investigations, with crimes like human trafficking and auto theft when crimes cross state or international borders. The statement accurately reflects current practice and legal obligations.
Can the City enforce federal protection laws in school settings?
The City does not have jurisdiction over school district operations, policies or property. Federal law enforcement activities on school property are governed by federal law and school district policy, not City authority. Residents should direct these concerns to their school district and state and federal officials with jurisdiction over education and immigration enforcement policy.
Will the City collaborate with Fridley Public Schools to provide additional safety, security and transportation measures for students and staff around schools?
The City has an established relationship with Fridley Public Schools for school resource officer services, emergency response and public safety coordination. The school district determines its security needs and transportation services.
Expanded services such as bus stop patrols or alternative transportation would require a formal request from the school district, staff capacity analysis, budget consideration and City Council approval. The City encourages residents to work directly with the school district to identify needed services and support.
Can the City provide transparency about its coordination with the Fridley Public School district regarding safety?
Public Safety Director Ryan George and City staff maintain regular communication with all schools in the city, including Fridley Public Schools, on public safety matters. These are operational coordination conversations, not public meetings.
The City and school district have established emergency response protocols and specific action plans as situations warrant. Details of law enforcement coordination are not publicly disclosed for operational security reasons. Residents seeking information about school district safety planning should contact Fridley Public Schools directly.
Will the City allow ICE to stage on City property?
The City does not authorize, coordinate or restrict the lawful use of public property by government agencies. Public streets, sidewalks and parking areas are open to the public and government entities conducting lawful activities.
What can residents do if ICE shows up without a warrant?
Residents are protected against unreasonable search and seizure by the 4th Amendment and are not required to open their doors to federal agents. Exceptions include if agents present a valid judicial warrant, are in hot pursuit or have probable cause. The City encourages residents to document and report the incident to state and federal officials if they believe their constitutional rights have been violated. The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office has provided a form where individuals can report concerns or suspected unlawful activity involving immigration enforcement. This allows concerns to be reviewed by the appropriate authorities.
Report a concern or suspected unlawful activity
If additional support is needed, residents should call 9-1-1.
Does the City respond to 9-1-1 calls related to ICE activity?
For any active emergency residents should call 9-1-1.
If residents have experienced inappropriate dispatch responses, please contact the Fridley Police Department directly at 763-572-3629 or contact us with specific details (date, time, nature of call) so these incidents can be investigated.
The City takes all concerns about emergency dispatch seriously and will review reported incidents.
What is the City's position on constitutional observers?
Public property
Constitutional observers have First Amendment rights to observe and record law enforcement in public spaces, provided they do not interfere with law enforcement operations or create safety hazards. Observers must maintain a safe distance that allows officers to perform their duties without obstruction. Interfering with or obstructing federal law enforcement officials during lawful operations may violate federal law. Fridley Police support the constitutional right to observe while maintaining public safety and ensuring law enforcement operations can proceed without interference.
Private property
The Trespassing Chapter of the City Code allows the owner of any private property to exclude a person from that property if that person has committed a crime or violated any rules established by the property owner. Fridley Police will respond to any calls from private property owners regarding trespassing. This may apply to constitutional observers at the request of private property owners. At that time Fridley Police would require constitutional observers to move off private property.
Submit a concern
The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office has provided a form where individuals can report concerns or suspected unlawful activity involving immigration enforcement. This allows concerns to be reviewed by the appropriate authorities.
Submit a concern
What is the City doing to address ICE practices that may mislead or confuse residents?
The City has created materials to help residents identify Fridley Police officers, including images of uniforms, badges, patches and squad cars. Federal immigration enforcement tactics are governed by federal policy, not municipal authority. The City does not have jurisdiction to regulate or prevent federal law enforcement tactics.
Can Fridley Police alert the community of immigration enforcement activity in the City?
Fridley Police do not receive any notice of federal immigration enforcement operations. Using emergency equipment (lights, sirens, loudspeakers) to warn about federal law enforcement operations could constitute interference with federal law enforcement, create public safety hazards and potentially violate federal law.
Can Fridley Police arrest ICE agents for breaking state or local laws, or violating constitutional rights of residents?
Under the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution, valid federal law overrides state and local law. If ICE agents have legal authority (such as an administrative or judicial warrant), local police risk violating federal law if they attempt to block or interfere with those actions. The City does not have jurisdiction or authority to regulate, oversee, or hold accountable federal law enforcement agencies.
Fridley Police will respond to all 9-1-1 calls with squad and body cameras activated. When responding to calls related to immigration enforcement activities, the role of Fridley Police Officers is focused on maintaining public safety, preserving life and keeping the peace. If federal law enforcement agencies are violating state or local ordinances or laws, Fridley Police Officers may take appropriate enforcement action to intercede, investigate and ask questions. Fridley Police Officers cannot interfere with lawful federal operations. Residents who believe federal agents have violated their constitutional rights should document incidents, seek legal counsel, and file complaints with the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General and the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, at OIG.DHS.gov/hotline.
Can Fridley Police block federal authorities from accessing community and parent networks?
The City does not have authority to prevent or regulate federal law enforcement undercover operations. Community groups should implement their own security protocols for verifying member identities and protecting sensitive information. The City cannot investigate or confirm reports of federal undercover operations. Community members with evidence of illegal activity should contact legal counsel and file reports with appropriate oversight agencies including the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, at OIG.DHS.gov/hotline.