A central topic was the audit report presented by City Auditor Robert Timmerman, which reviewed the actions and communications of city officials during the incident. The presence of militarized federal agents at Taqueria Millpas had caught city officials by surprise, as they were not informed until after the enforcement action began. The report emphasized that the delay in notifying the City Council created an information gap, leading to public speculation and confusion. Recommendations included establishing communication protocols to ensure timely updates to council leadership during public interest incidents.

The audit findings confirmed that city officials were truthful about their lack of prior knowledge regarding the federal action. However, the report underscored the necessity for improved preparedness and responsiveness in future federal immigration actions. The city did not violate its separation ordinance, which delineates local law enforcement’s interaction with federal immigration authorities, but the need for amendments to the ordinance was discussed.

Council members voiced their concerns about the impact of the incident on the immigrant community, expressing frustration over the administration’s communication lapses. A council member criticized the delay in informing the City Council and the community, advocating for accountability in the communication process. The lack of real-time updates was seen as a failure to adequately protect and inform constituents.

Public speakers echoed these sentiments, demanding stronger measures to protect the immigrant community from federal actions. Calls for a “true sanctuary city,” prohibiting any collaboration between local law enforcement and federal agencies, were made. Community members criticized the MPD’s perceived eagerness to assist federal agents and the lack of transparency from city leaders during and after the incident.

The discussion on the city’s separation ordinance revealed its limitations in preventing federal agencies from operating in Minneapolis. Council members and community speakers highlighted the ordinance’s weaknesses, emphasizing the need for updates to better reflect the current realities of immigration enforcement and to strengthen protections for immigrants. Concerns were raised about MPD officers’ understanding of immigration status as a probable cause for law enforcement actions.

Questions about the participation of city employees in protests related to the June 3rd incident were also addressed. An audit review found no violations of the ethics code, but the involvement of legislative staff during city time prompted discussions about the appropriateness of their actions. The council debated the ethics of staff participation in demonstrations and the implications for city operations.