These 13 MN Suburbs Just Formed A Coalition To Push Back On ICE Operations

PLYMOUTH, MN — Thirteen Twin Cities suburbs have formed a new coalition calling for an immediate de-escalation of federal immigration enforcement activity tied to Operation Metro Surge, saying the operation is creating practical problems for cities tasked with keeping residents safe and local services running.

The coalition, called Cities for Safe and Stable Communities, includes the following cities. All but one, Maplewood (Ramsey County), are in Hennepin County.

• Bloomington
• Brooklyn Center
• Brooklyn Park
• Columbia Heights
• Eden Prairie
• Edina
• Golden Valley
• Hopkins
• Maplewood
• Minnetonka
• Plymouth
• Richfield
• St. Louis Park

Mayors behind the effort say the enforcement surge has forced cities to deal with real-world consequences beyond immigration policy debates, including strained police resources, disruptions in schools, fear-driven declines in 911 calls, and economic instability for local businesses.

Plymouth Mayor Jeff Wosje said city leaders have spent months responding to concerns from residents and community institutions.

“Plymouth’s city manager, police chief and I have held meetings with numerous community groups pertaining to immigration enforcement,” Wosje said, including school districts, nonprofits, cultural and ethnic organizations, neighborhood groups, and places of worship. “These meetings have allowed us to address concerns, talk about best practices and reassure community members of the role of local law enforcement.”

Wosje emphasized that local police are focused on community safety, not immigration enforcement.

“Our role is to keep everyone in Plymouth safe, regardless of their immigration status,” he said.

In a joint statement announcing the coalition, mayors said Operation Metro Surge has created ripple effects across Minnesota, not just in Minneapolis. They pointed to workforce instability, small business disruptions, housing insecurity, and residents avoiding city services out of fear.

“This surge is not just a Minneapolis issue,” the coalition said. “The fallout is felt across the state.”

City leaders also warned that fear of federal enforcement activity is undermining public safety by discouraging residents from calling 911, reporting crimes, or engaging with local government. They said rebuilding trust between residents and law enforcement could take years if current conditions continue.

The coalition is asking federal and state officials to acknowledge the economic and public safety impacts of the enforcement surge and to pursue immediate de-escalation. The mayors also raised the possibility of 2026 relief funding to help cities recover from the strain placed on local budgets and services.

Cities for Safe and Stable Communities describes itself as a nonpartisan, mayor-led effort focused on restoring stability, protecting constitutional rights, and allowing cities to concentrate on their core responsibilities of public safety and essential services.