Minneapolis City Council Moves $1M To Prevent Evictions Amid ICE Enforcement

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The Minneapolis City Council voted Thursday to approve $1 million in one-time rental assistance for city residents facing eviction amid disruptions tied to Operation Metro Surge.

The funding is intended to help renters who have received eviction notices and experienced income loss connected to recent federal immigration enforcement activity in the Twin Cities. City officials said the assistance is designed to prevent evictions during the winter months.

The vote came after Tim Walz declined to issue a statewide eviction moratorium, prompting some city leaders to pursue local action.

"Residents are putting their lives on the line every day to protect each other, and are asking local government to do more than press conferences," said Council Minority Leader Robin Wonsley, the lead author of the proposal.

"The City Council is stepping up to use the tools we have to protect residents from evictions."

Advocacy groups told council members that families affected by enforcement activity have seen work hours cut, lost access to child care, or experienced the detention of household wage earners, leaving many unable to keep up with rent.

"We need to prevent a wave of evictions over winter," said Shana Tomenes of the Housing Justice Center. "Preventing eviction is always more effective, more humane, and more cost-efficient than waiting to re-house families."

Council Vice President Jamal Osman, a co-author of the proposal, said the vote marked a shift from discussion to direct aid.

"Immigrants are suffering in our city every single day," Osman said. "Today, council took a first step to keep residents safe by allowing them to shelter in place."

The council initially considered funding the program through the city’s Contingency Fund, which is reserved for emergencies, but that proposal failed. Ultimately, the council approved using money from the city’s unallocated General Fund cash balance.

The city will partner with Hennepin County to administer the rental assistance. County officials will oversee distribution of the funds to eligible households that have received eviction notices and demonstrate financial hardship connected to recent enforcement activity.

City leaders said details on eligibility and the application process will be released in the coming days.