As Operation Metro Surge comes to an end, we need to acknowledge the deep and painful impact it’s had on Bloomington. Over the past months, families have lived in fear, children have worried about their parents coming home, workers have stayed away from their jobs and small businesses have struggled. The emotional and economic toll has been significant, and the trust that holds our community together has been tested in very real ways.
Bloomington is strongest when every resident feels safe and valued. As we move forward together, my hope is that this community will be committed to restoring stability, supporting affected families and reaffirming that public safety in our city means safety for everyone.
I also want to commend our Bloomington police officers and first responders who have worked under extraordinarily challenging circumstances to maintain calm and protect all residents. Their professionalism, grounded in respect, ensured that our city remained safe. While the City could not interfere with federal operations, we took meaningful actions in response to Operation Metro Surge.
In January, we joined nine other metro-area suburbs in filing a supporting brief in a lawsuit led by the Minnesota attorney general and the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, seeking a court order declaring Operation Metro Surge unlawful and unconstitutional. While an emergency request was denied for procedural reasons, the lawsuit continues to challenge federal activities that have created fear and disrupted education, public safety and the economy.
Bloomington joined the Cities for Safe and Stable Communities coalition, representing 20 Twin Cities suburbs, calling for federal accountability, de-escalation of ICE operations, and potential state relief funding in 2026. We are stronger when we work together for the common good.
The Council approved up to $350,000 in local affordable housing aid funds to support emergency rental assistance in response to rising needs, and up to $400,000 in small business assistance grants for businesses impacted by recent immigration enforcement actions. Learn more about business grants at blm.mn/businessgrant.
The City has provided access to information on its website that includes support for those who need it, including food, home items, rental and utility bill assistance, links to immigration legal resources and more. Visit the City’s website at blm.mn/community.
I’ve been inspired seeing so many community members stepping up to support each other during this time. I am more proud than ever to be from Bloomington.
