After Deadly Shooting, City Issues New Guidance For Dealing With ICE In Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — In the wake of a deadly shooting involving a federal immigration agent, the city of Minneapolis has issued new guidance for residents on what to do if they encounter U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in their neighborhoods.

City officials said the guidance is intended to provide clarity, reduce fear, and help residents stay safe amid increased federal immigration activity in Minneapolis, while also stressing the importance of remaining peaceful and avoiding actions that could escalate tensions.

The guidance follows the fatal shooting of a woman — 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good — by federal agent Jonathan Ross.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension was removed from the investigation, leaving the case solely in federal hands.

City leaders said the moment has created confusion and anxiety across the community, particularly among immigrant and refugee residents.

What To Do If You See ICE In Your Neighborhood

According to the city, Minneapolis police do not participate in immigration enforcement due to the city’s separation ordinance. MPD officers cannot interfere with ICE operations but may respond to emergency situations involving public safety concerns.

Residents are urged to call 911 immediately if they see someone with a gun who is not clearly identified as law enforcement, hear gunshots, witness an assault, or see someone being forced into an unmarked vehicle and it is unclear whether law enforcement is involved.

For non-emergency questions, residents are encouraged to contact 311, where operators can explain what MPD officers can and cannot do under city policy. City officials emphasized that using 311 for general questions helps keep 911 available for life-threatening emergencies.

City officials also reminded residents that physically interfering with federal agents can lead to arrest or criminal charges, even if individuals disagree with the enforcement action. Residents may record video as long as they do not interfere, but they should not engage, obstruct, or throw objects.

Limits On MPD Involvement With ICE

Under Minneapolis policy and the city’s separation ordinance, MPD officers are prohibited from assisting with immigration enforcement. That includes providing information to ICE for the purpose of locating individuals, detaining people based solely on immigration status, transporting individuals for immigration enforcement, or assisting at immigration-related enforcement events.

MPD officers are also barred from escorting ICE agents to enforcement locations or closing streets unless there is a clear and immediate threat to life, serious injury, or destruction of property.

If MPD responds to a call that later involves federal immigration enforcement, officers may help stabilize the situation if there is a threat of violence. Once the situation is safe, officers are required to leave and do not operate under federal direction.

City Cites Community Impact, Urges Calm

City leaders acknowledged the fear and anger created by the increased presence of federal immigration agents, particularly among Latino, immigrant, and refugee communities. Officials said the guidance is meant to help residents protect themselves without escalating confrontations that could justify a larger federal response.

The city also highlighted recent actions aimed at limiting the use of city resources for immigration enforcement, including an executive order signed by Mayor Jacob Frey barring civil immigration enforcement operations from staging on city-owned parking lots and property. That order was later codified into city ordinance and expanded with training and reporting requirements for city employees.

Resources For Residents And Businesses

The city has made additional resources available for residents and small businesses, including information on I-9 inspections, workplace enforcement actions, and access to free legal advice through the City of Minneapolis Business Technical Assistance Program.

Residents affected by immigration enforcement actions can also seek help through local legal aid organizations and the City of Minneapolis Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs.

City officials said the guidance will continue to be updated as federal activity evolves and urged residents to stay informed, stay calm, and prioritize safety.

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