Minnetonka Police Clarify Ridgedale Center Presence

MINNETONKA, MN — Minnetonka police said an increased law enforcement presence at Ridgedale Center was part of a planned retail theft deterrence operation and not connected to any federal or immigration enforcement activity.

In a statement posted to social media, the Minnetonka Police Department said officers were conducting a planned operation aimed at deterring retail theft during a time of year when theft activity is typically higher.

Police said officers involved in the effort were working in plain clothes and that the department’s retail investigations unit regularly conducts similar operations at shopping centers and retail areas.

“No federal authorities or immigration officials are present in coordination with our department,” Minnetonka police said.

The department’s clarification follows heightened concern about federal immigration enforcement activity across the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota.