Eden Prairie Police Department (EPPD) will not participate in federal immigration enforcement if federal operations occur in the city, according to a statement issued Friday afternoon.
The announcement follows a New York Times report saying upwards of 100 immigration enforcement agents might come to the Twin Cities. President Donald Trump has also made several inflammatory and racist comments about Somalis in Minnesota, including calling them “garbage” on Tuesday and saying “we don’t want them in our country.”
ICE operations have since begun in Minneapolis and are targeting Somali immigrants, CBS News reported.
The city said EPPD enforces only state and local laws and cannot carry out federal immigration laws.
It also reminded residents that EPPD cannot ask about a person’s immigration status and cannot provide information to anyone attempting to identify an immigration violation — including federal agents. The department also cannot hold or detain a person solely for a federal immigration agency.
On Saturday, the city clarified that these limitations are not unique to Eden Prairie and apply to all local law enforcement agencies, which do not have the authority to enforce federal laws.
The city added that EPPD is not typically notified of federal operations in Eden Prairie.
Mayor Ron Case said the department will continue ensuring the safety of all residents.
“As things evolve in the coming days and weeks, the City of Eden Prairie and our Police Department will continue to do what we do for all our residents — protect, serve and work tirelessly to ensure safety and security,” Case said. “We are committed to respecting the rights of all who call Eden Prairie home.”
He also said Somali immigrants are valued members of the community. Eden Prairie has the third-largest Somali population in Minnesota.
“To our Somali friends and neighbors – and to all our immigrant communities – you are valued, you belong here, and your safety and wellbeing will always be our priority,” he said.
School district response
Eden Prairie Schools issued a districtwide email Friday afternoon in response to growing fears of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity affecting Minnesota’s Somali community.
EP Schools did not explicitly mention ICE or the reported increase in federal immigration operations. The email said members of the community are “experiencing real fear” due to recent events.
The district said that while it cannot interfere with government authorities, school leaders have training in “managing these situations” and providing resources and support to families.
“Please know that while we cannot control the actions of federal authorities or legal agents, as long as students are in our care, we will do everything we can to provide a safe and welcoming environment,” Superintendent Josh Swanson said in the statement.
Swanson added that the district routinely reviews student and staff safety procedures.
“In times of fear and uncertainty, we stand in our core values and continue the work of upholding the community we believe Eden Prairie deserves,” the statement said.
Editor’s note: EPLN schools reporter Maddie Robinson contributed to this report.
