Ward 5 News with Council Member Pearll Warren: Week of January 12
Dear Neighbors of Ward 5,
As I’ve closed out my first week and begin week 2 of representing Ward 5 at Minneapolis City Hall, I want to share a brief update with our subscribers.
I did not expect that our first week of this new term would be shaped so heavily by a tragic and destabilizing incident involving federal immigration enforcement and the resulting community response. Because Ward 5 communications going forward will primarily come through official City channels such as newsletter and our social media pages, this message is to help you stay connected and ensure you have the right places to find verified City updates and Ward 5 information.
Like many of you, we are demanding that I.C.E. leaves the city of Minneapolis and the state of Minnesota. I am closely tracking City and partner updates regarding public safety, cleanup, and any ongoing investigation activity. I am also committed to ensuring our community’s grief and anger are met with clarity, care, and a steady focus on safety and dignity for every resident. As of today’s press conference, the City of Minneapolis, along with the State of Minnesota, and the City of Saint Paul, are jointly filing a lawsuit to stop the federal government’s unlawful, unconstitutional, and dangerous federal immigration actions in our state.
The lawsuit is about:
- Safeguarding the State’s and Cities’ ability to protect their communities’ well-being
- Accountability
- Basic constitutional protections that the federal government is ignoring
The lawsuit seeks to stop the Trump administration from continuing to violate the law in its immigration enforcement campaign in Minneapolis and across the state.
In the lawsuit, we are asking the court for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) to immediately stop the federal government’s unlawful activity in Minnesota. Federal agents have engaged in a pattern of unlawful conduct targeted to harm the public safety, health and welfare of Minnesota residents.
What does the lawsuit ask for:
We are asking the Court to order federal agents to follow the U. S. Constitution, state law, and their own policies.
For federal agents continuing lawful operations in the city, we are calling an end to:
- Racial profiling
- Excessive force
- Enforcement at sensitive locations
- Including schools, hospitals, places of worship, courthouses, playgrounds, funerals, and weddings
- Retaliation instead of de-escalation against concerned bystanders and witnesses
We are also calling for:
- Federal agents to be equipped with body-worn cameras
- Follow the U.S. Constitution, state law and their own federal policies
We are not trying to block immigration enforcement altogether. We are trying to stop the unprecedented surge and unlawful enforcement.
Watch the Press Conference from today Jan. 12, 2026 here: City of Minneapolis Press Conference
I will use social media more consistently going forward sharing daily and weekly updates, major transitions, elections, or to ensure community members have the correct official contact information.
I will continue to maintain the Warren for Ward 5 campaign pages for a limited period as we transition communications. Official Ward 5 channels will be the primary source for weekly updates and public information. If an official City social account for Ward 5 is launched, I will share that as soon as it is available. Please see below for more information and resources.
Sign up for the official Ward 5 newsletter (recommended):
Follow our social media pages for Ward 5 updates:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MinneapolisWard5
- X (Twitter): https://x.com/MplsWard5
- BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/ward5.minneapolismn.gov
Read the most recent Ward 5 newsletters (if you missed them):
Weekly newsletters will be archived on the City website under Ward 5 news.
For verified City updates related to federal response and public safety, I encourage you to visit the City of Minneapolis federal response page:
With multiple federal agencies in town, know what City of Minneapolis uniforms look like. City staff will not ask for immigration status or assist with federal immigration enforcement. MPD officers do not mask to hide their identity. Link for Resources:
Know Your Rights for Businesses and Residents:
If ICE comes to your home, remember these key points:
- Agents must have a judge-signed warrant with your name and address to lawfully enter.
- You can request to see the warrant through a window or slid under the door.
- If there is no valid warrant, you have the right to keep your door closed and refuse entry.
We all recognize the uncertainty of what the coming days and weeks may hold. Please know: the Ward 5 office is available to help, and my team and I remain committed to the safety, dignity, and well-being of all Ward 5 residents.
In service,
Council Member Pearll Warren
Minneapolis City Council, Ward 5