From the City of Minneapolis: January 15 update

Jan. 15, 2026

This newsletter provides updates on important news and information from the City of Minneapolis and partners. Find more at minneapolismn.gov/news.

City leaders urge peaceful protest

Contrary to federal rhetoric, Mayor Frey and other City leaders have consistently called for peace and calm as our community confronts the incursion of federal agents sowing chaos in our streets.

The federal government is looking for any opportunity to further escalate the crisis we’re facing right now, and the City continues to urge protesters and observers to respond by showing the world the welcoming, unified, and loving values that define Minneapolis.

Watch a short video clip of the mayor encouraging peaceful protest.

City response to federal actions, resources for residents

Here’s what the City is doing in response to the federal government’s actions in Minneapolis.

• Suing the federal government: The lawsuit, filed with the State of Minnesota and City of St. Paul, aims to restore order, accountability, and basic constitutional protections.

• Standing by City policy: The Mayor and City leaders have clearly stated that Minneapolis will not take part in civil immigration enforcement.

• Protecting City spaces: ICE is not allowed inside City buildings without a judicial warrant.

• Guiding City staff: City employees and first responders receive ongoing training on how to respond if ICE activity is reported, and how to protect residents’ rights and safety.

• Working with partners: The City is tracking reports of ICE activity and working with community groups to share accurate information and resources.

• Keeping residents informed: We are sharing regular updates so residents know their rights and where to get help.

What the City cannot do

ICE is a federal agency. Cities do not have the legal power to remove federal agents or stop federal operations. We know this limitation is frustrating and frightening. Even so, the City is using every legal tool available to protect residents and uphold local policy.

Resources for residents

We are keeping information on the City’s federal response page. It includes verified information about resident rights and trusted resources.

Also on that page, under “Get help,” you’ll find resources for legal help, shelter, healthcare and food assistance.

If you or someone you know encounters ICE activity:

• You have the right to remain silent.

• You can ask to see a warrant signed by a judge.

• You do not have to open your door without a valid judicial warrant.

• Write down what you see if it is safe to do so, and connect with trusted legal or community organizations listed on the City’s website.

Recent reports of ICE activity include detaining or arresting U.S. citizens. If this happens to you or someone you know, learn about your rights, how to report what happened, and where to get help.

As a reminder, under Minnesota law and City policy, Minneapolis employees, including police, do not assist ICE with civil immigration enforcement. City staff do not ask about immigration status, do not detain people for ICE, and do not provide access to City facilities without a valid judicial warrant.

Minneapolis is strongest when we look out for one another. The City remains committed to the safety and dignity of everyone who calls Minneapolis home.

Lawsuit seeks to halt ICE surge into Minnesota

On Jan. 14, the judge assigned to our lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security asked for additional briefings by both parties next week. That will be followed by a hearing. We are asking the judge to end the dangerous surge of federal immigration enforcement in our city. A decision has not been made yet on our request. 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 Learn more Watch the full Jan. 12 press conference. Read the news release. Read the lawsuit. Find more updates on the City website.

Find resources in our new Virtual Resource Center

Increased federal immigration enforcement activities in our city are disrupting daily life. Some people are afraid to go to work, school or the grocery store.

We created a Virtual Resource Center for community members to find partner resources for food, housing and mental health support.

Visit the Virtual Resource Center to find information including:

• Rent and eviction assistance
• Mental health resources
• Domestic violence resources

Download a resource flyer to post or share with your networks.

City Council members speak out against ICE violence in Minneapolis, announce plans for updates

Members of the Minneapolis City Council held a news conference in City Hall Jan. 14 to denounce the federal government’s brutal immigration enforcement activities.

State and county elected officials and an impacted community member joined the City Council in denouncing ICE’s inhumane tactics.

They expressed support for community resistance, shared their own experiences. They are encouraged continued support for neighbors and announced plans to begin sharing regular video updates via official City Council channels.

Watch the full news conference or a highlight reel with speakers.

Reporting school threats

Amid ICE’s divisive presence in our neighborhoods, we’ve heard reports of threats of violence against schools and community organizations. Call 911 immediately if you hear about or receive a threat involving schools, students, or community groups. Reporting threats right away helps keep everyone safe. If you have questions about your child’s school safety plan, contact your school’s administration. Call 911 immediately if you: Receive a threat about violence directed toward a school or a student, or a threat on school grounds. See a threat on social media directed at a school. Receive threatening calls or emails sent to a nonprofit or community organization.

Know your rights if ICE comes to your home

Everyone has constitutional protections — regardless of immigration status. Before opening your door to ICE, know your rights, as recommended by the Immigrant Law Center. Remember to assert them calmly and safely. The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota suggests the following if federal immigration agents come to your home. ICE needs a judge-signed warrant with your name and address to enter. You can ask them to show you the warrant through the window or under the door. If there is no valid warrant, you have the right to keep your door closed. Find more know-your-rights resources on the City website in: English Soomaali Español Hmong Afaan Oromoo

Reporting suspicious vehicles

Residents and community members can report suspicious vehicles on city streets. If you see an unmarked vehicle without front and rear license plates, you can report it to 311.

Recognize Minneapolis employee uniforms

With multiple federal agencies in town, you should be familiar with the unforms worn by City of Minneapolis employees. Nobody in a City uniform will ever ask for your immigration status or participate with any federal immigration enforcement activity. Our officers do not wear masks to hide their identity. We work for and with our community, not against it. Here’s what they look like – from police to animal control. See Minneapolis employee uniforms and badges.

Join National Day of Racial Healing event online Jan. 20

The City of Minneapolis will once again join communities across the country in observing the National Day of Racial Healing Jan. 20. The nationwide observance is held annually the day after Martin Luther King Jr. Day to encourage honest dialogue, strengthen relationships and build a shared commitment to racial equity.

Racial healing is a practice rooted in repairing harm and addressing the systems that hold inequities in place. This fireside chat will feature two powerful voices: former Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges and former Minnesota State Senator Mee Moua, both of whom have dedicated their post-public service careers to advancing racial equity and racial healing. Together, they’ll explore why racial healing matters, how communities can cultivate it, and what it looks like to move from conversation to real transformation.

The event will also include guided opportunities for learning and connection, and tools to support continued growth beyond the event.

Register

6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20
Join online; register for the link.

January is Radon Action Month

Get a free radon test kit to find out if there is radon in your home. Two in five homes test high for radon in Minnesota. Radon is an invisible, odorless gas. It’s the second leading cause of lung cancer, and it: Comes from the soil and rock throughout Minnesota. Enters homes through cracks and holes in the basement floor. Learn more about radon test kits – free while supplies last – and the City’s grant funding for mitigation systems on the City website. Video: A neighbor shares his story Gregory Wheeler, a Minneapolis homeowner, called the City of Minneapolis to help keep his family safe and healthy when his home tested high for radon levels. Watch the video.

Make a difference: Serve on a board or commission, apply by Jan. 25

Serving on a City board or commission is your chance to directly shape policies that affect daily life, like workforce development, infrastructure and good financial stewardship. Your voice brings fresh perspective and drives transparency in City decisions. Most boards meet monthly, and it’s a great way to gain valuable skills, build relationships with community leaders, and grow your understanding of local government. Right now, Minneapolis is accepting applications for several boards. Opportunities include: The Audit Committee provides general oversight of the office of city auditor. The Minneapolis Workforce Development Board guides local workforce development. The Special Service District Advisory Boards (12 boards), advise the city on neighborhood services (cleanliness, safety, beautification) funded by local property owners, helping set work plans, budgets, and service charges for enhanced amenities. Ready to get involved? Explore current openings and apply by Jan 25. Learn more with this short video on how you can get involved, what it means to serve, and what impact your voice can have in local government.

Minneapolis minimum wage adjusted for inflation to $16.37

The minimum wage across the city of Minneapolis is now $16.37 for all businesses (regardless of business size).

Coverage depends on the physical location (in Minneapolis) of the employee while the employee is performing work.

For information about any of the City’s labor standards, visit the City’s website, call 311 or email the Labor Standards Enforcement Division. To report a violation, submit details on the City website or call 311.

Heating assistance for Minnesotans this winter

The State of Minnesota is urging eligible households to apply now for energy assistance through Minnesota’s federally funded Energy Assistance Program. The State recommends that households take the following steps to protect their heat and electricity from interruption:

1. Apply for the Energy Assistance Program.
2. Set up a payment plan with each utility company to get shut-off protection. Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule offers some protection from utility shutoffs but requires households to set up and follow a payment plan. If you have questions, you can visit the Public Utilities Commission website or call 1-800-657-3782.