The resolution, which received unanimous support, calls on the federal administration to halt its aggressive immigration enforcement actions. A council member highlighted the distress faced by immigrant families due to intensified deportation efforts and ICE arrests, which have instilled fear and disrupted communities. The member described efforts to support immigrant families through the Immigration Defense Network, a coalition of nearly 90 organizations dedicated to providing safety and support. The resolution emphasizes the necessity for immigrants to feel secure when accessing city resources, like parks and libraries.

Ryan Perez, the organizing director of Copal Minnesota, addressed the council, explaining the need for the resolution. He described the detrimental impact of immigration raids on families, particularly within the Latine community in Minnesota. Perez emphasized the unique challenges faced by diverse immigrant groups in St. Paul, including refugees from Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa, who face losing federal health care benefits and experiencing detentions.

Steven Seidel, a representative from Indivisible Twin Cities, also expressed support for the resolution. He argued that mass deportations are both immoral and unconstitutional, threatening the social fabric of communities and undermining local economies by fostering fear.

Council members discussed the resolution, recognizing the hardships faced by immigrant families due to federal policies. One member noted the challenge of publicly addressing these issues without causing further harm to affected families. Another member stressed the value of immigrant communities to the city, condemning the federal government’s actions as unacceptable.

The council’s resolution marks St. Paul as the third city in Minnesota to take such a stance, following similar actions by Minneapolis and Columbia Heights. Council member Johnson praised the contributions of the city attorney’s office in highlighting resources available for immigrant communities.

In addition to the resolution on immigration, the council addressed a variety of other topics. Item sixteen on the agenda, a moratorium on zoning applications for sober houses and supportive housing facilities, was approved unanimously. Assistant City Attorney Daniel Staley explained that the resolution aims to provide a framework for studying and refining regulations surrounding these facilities due to a rise in variance applications. The moratorium will last one year, though it could be shortened if recommendations are made sooner.

The council also celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the Saint Paul District Council system. An honorary resolution was introduced by district council coordinator Zoe Bourgeois, highlighting the district councils’ role in promoting community engagement. Various district council members and executive directors expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and community involvement in local governance.

Council members praised the district councils as a leadership pipeline and recognized efforts to enhance representation. The council approved increased investments in district councils.

Additionally, the council addressed several appeals related to supportive housing facilities and nuisance abatement orders. A notable appeal involved a variance request for a property on Sherburne Avenue, which was postponed until a study on sober and supportive housing is complete. This systematic approach aims to better assess community housing needs.

The meeting also covered routine matters such as sound level variances for events at Harriet Island and the Minnesota State Capitol Grounds, which were approved without opposition. A variance appeal regarding a pollinator garden faced by a summary abatement order sparked discussion. The council expressed disappointment over the enforcement action, which occurred before the appeal was heard. The council unanimously approved a motion to support the appeal, acknowledging the need for improved communication and procedural clarity.