HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2026-08 Affirming Community Values Amidst Immigration Enforcement OperationsResolution 2026-08: Affirming Community Values
Amidst Immigration Enforcement Operations
Whereas the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and its subsidiary and partner agencies, have
initiated unprecedented immigration enforcement operations in the City of Edina and the State of
Minnesota which have created unique public safety concerns for residents, business owners and their
employees, patrons, and visitors, tourists, and City staff; and
Whereas the immigration operations are of a scale and approach that are drastically different from
the historical operations of the local office of DHS in Minnesota, including use of many officers who
have little to no ties to or understanding of communities and cultures in Edina and Minnesota; and
Whereas federal immigration operations in Edina have heightened the public’s concern as to the
safety and welfare of residents, visitors, and City staff interacting with federal immigration officials; and
Whereas these operations have increased the risk of physical injury to City residents, visitors, staff, and
local and state law enforcement officers; and
Whereas these operations are creating a climate of fear in our community that is counterproductive
to legitimate law enforcement goals of protecting public safety and welfare, and undermining the
community’s trust in policing; and
Whereas in December 2025 and January 2026, the City Council released statements affirming their
commitment to the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the City’s core values
of dignity, fairness, and respect for all individuals in response to the fear and uncertainty expressed by
residents regarding federal immigration enforcement activity; and
Whereas Edina values its partnership with state and federal law enforcement agencies in activities
designed to prevent and respond to criminal activity within the community and has urged federal
leaders to conduct enforcement activities in a manner that fully respects constitutional rights,
prioritizes human dignity, and protects public safety; and
Whereas the Edina Police Department always seeks to collaborate with residents and the community
to ensure people are treated with courtesy, dignity, respect, and understanding and that their
constitutional rights are both recognized and respected; and
Whereas the City Council desires to acknowledge these public safety and welfare concerns and
institute policies that reassure the public of the City’s commitment to serving, protecting, and valuing
all individuals, regardless of a person’s immigration status or national origin.
Now, therefore, be it resolvedthat the City of Edina formally affirms the following policy positions
amidst federal immigration enforcement operations conducted within the City of Edina:
1.Edina objects to any immigration enforcement operations that violate the constitutional rights
of people and to the use of excessive physical force in enforcement operations.
2.The City only maintains authority to enforce state and local laws in a nondiscriminatory manner
and directs the Police Department to continue protecting the safety of the public during
immigration enforcement operations and peaceful protests of the same. The City does not
participate in immigration enforcement operations or enforce federal immigration law.
3.Edina is committed to the equal treatment of all its residents and visitors in the provision of City
resources and services, regardless of immigration status or national origin.
4.Edina is committed to stewarding its resources for the benefit of the public in accordance with
state public purpose expenditures law. As such, no City employee or public official may use or
permit the use of City resources, including City Property, for the enforcement of federal
immigration laws.
5.Nothing in this policy statement limits Edina continued partnership with state and federal law
enforcement agencies in activities designed to prevent and respond to criminal activity within
the community.
Date: February 4, 2026.
Sharon Allison (Mar 18, 2026 11:42:54 CDT)