Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey Signs Order Banning ICE From City-Owned Property

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Mayor Jacob Frey on Wednesday signed a new executive order blocking federal, state, or local agencies from using any city-owned parking lots, ramps, garages, or vacant land to stage civil immigration enforcement operations.

The move comes amid recent reports that the Trump administration has deployed specialized immigration “strike teams” to the Twin Cities to target Somali migrants.

Minneapolis officials say the new directive is meant to reinforce the city’s policies limiting local involvement in civil immigration enforcement and to prevent city property from being used as a base for such operations.

In Chicago, federal authorities previously used municipal lots to stage similar actions before that city issued restrictions of its own. Minneapolis leaders said community members urged Frey to take steps to ensure the same does not happen locally.

Frey said the order is intended to make clear that city property cannot be used to support federal civil immigration enforcement operations.

"City parking lots need to be used for City purposes, which do not include civil immigration enforcement," Frey said in a statement, adding that Minneapolis "will remain a city that stands up for our residents."

The order also directs city staff to create signage for private businesses and property owners who want to designate their non-public spaces as off-limits for civil immigration enforcement staging.

City departments must identify all relevant city-owned lots, post required notices, and report any violations immediately.

Police Chief Brian O’Hara said the department’s effectiveness relies on trust with immigrant communities and warned that fear-based tactics can undermine public safety.

"Everyone must feel safe seeking help, reporting crimes, and working with our officers," O’Hara said.

The city emphasized that it cannot prevent federal immigration officers from operating in Minneapolis, but will not authorize the use of city property as staging areas.

City officials said Minneapolis will continue to adhere to its existing policy limiting city participation in civil immigration enforcement activities.

The full text of the executive order is available here.