The Bloomington City Council affirms our long-standing commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive city where all people can live, learn, work, and engage with local government without fear. Public safety in our city depends on trust between residents and institutions, and our social and economic vitality relies on the contributions of workers, families, and businesses from diverse backgrounds.
Recent federal immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota, including the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis, have caused deep grief and concern throughout our region. The City Council acknowledges that these enforcement tactics are targeting people for reasons unrelated to legitimate public safety concerns and are wreaking real havoc on our friends, neighbors, businesses, and coworkers.
Immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility, and any enforcement activity must be administered fairly, consistently, and in full accordance with the United States constitution. We strongly condemn militarized raids that terrorize families, destabilize neighborhoods, and erode trust in government. Such approaches weaken cooperation with local law enforcement and drive residents into the shadows—afraid to report crimes, seek medical care, or access essential services—outcomes that directly conflict with Bloomington’s values of safety, equity, and community well-being.
We support the Bloomington Police Department that serves our community with respect, compassion, professionalism, and integrity. Local police are charged with protecting public safety, preventing crime, and building trust, not enforcing federal civil immigration law. We do not inquire about anyone’s immigration status and any person regardless of status should feel safe in calling 911 or contacting police, fire, and emergency services.
A clear separation between local policing and federal immigration enforcement is essential to ensure that all residents feel safe seeking help, reporting crimes, and cooperating with investigations. If a resident is unsure whether someone claiming to be a law enforcement or immigration officer is acting legitimately, calling 911 is an appropriate way to seek assistance and help verify the situation. While the City lacks jurisdiction over federal immigration operations and cannot intervene in those activities, we can and should acknowledge these violations and ensure residents are informed of their rights.
The Bloomington City Council calls on federal leaders to immediately halt harmful enforcement tactics, respect constitutional rights, and pursue meaningful immigration reform that protects human dignity and public safety. We reaffirm our commitment to the dignity, safety, and rights of all who live in Bloomington. Public safety is built through trust, fairness, and humane policy—not fear, intimidation, or political posturing.
Finally, the City Council also calls for calm, care, and responsibility in how everyone speaks about and responds to these events. Language that heightens fear or tension—whether intentional or not—can make already difficult situations more challenging and places added strain on residents, public servants, and first responders. We believe leaders and community members alike share a responsibility to choose words and actions that promote de-escalation, transparency, and the safety and dignity of everyone in our community.
There are resources available on the City of Bloomington’s website, including information on how to recognize local public safety uniforms, access legal resources and find community resources for those who want to volunteer, donate or obtain food and other essentials.
