City Council to introduce series of updates in response to federal immigration enforcement

The Saint Paul City Council will swiftly introduce a series of ordinances and ordinance updates in response to federal immigration enforcement actions, working in partnership with the Mayor’s Office to clarify the city’s role relative to these actions.

According to a press release issued on Jan. 21, 2026:
The council’s approach recognizes the urgency to act expediently and the necessity to build durable protections that provide clarity to residents and that can withstand legal challenges. The Council acknowledges that since the events of Nov. 25, 2025, on Rose Avenue that involved Saint Paul Police Department, the conditions and tactics of federal immigration enforcement agencies have changed and continue to change rapidly. The City must move urgently and therefore will not wait for one comprehensive update to the City’s existing separation ordinance (Chapter 44 of the City’s Administrative Code).
On Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, the City Council will introduce an ordinance prohibiting the use of City-owned parking lots and property for staging federal immigration enforcement activities.
Wednesday’s council meeting will also include a discussion of subsequent immediate and near-term actions.
The City Council recognizes how dire this moment is and is committed to using every tool available to meet it, including updating the existing separation ordinance but not relying on those changes alone to enact meaningful protections. This approach is comprehensive across departments, policies, and procedures.
The Council emphasized that the ordinance updates do not change federal law, do not interfere with lawful federal enforcement actions, and do not prevent compliance with valid warrants or court orders. Instead, they clarify the scope of the City’s authority and responsibilities under local law.
Starting immediately, the Council will introduce the updates as a series of ordinances and policy changes over the coming weeks, allowing for focused discussion, legal review, and public transparency as each proposal moves forward.
Additional information, including draft ordinances and meeting dates, will be shared as the legislative process proceeds. This phased approach allows for swifter action in response to the most pressing concerns of our community while maintaining legal standards.