A major topic at the meeting was the presentation by John Decker, Policy Counsel with the ACLU of Minnesota, who outlined proposed actions the city could take to protect residents from federal government overreach. Decker’s presentation detailed ongoing legal efforts, including lawsuits filed by the ACLU concerning First Amendment rights violations during protests and legal battles against ICE detainer practices. Decker expressed appreciation for St. Paul’s participation in these legal actions alongside state and Minneapolis entities.

Decker proposed several policy solutions for the council’s consideration, aimed at increasing transparency and protecting community spaces. These included a ban on local law enforcement officers wearing masks, akin to policies in Los Angeles County, and requiring warrants for law enforcement to enter certain city-funded facilities. He also suggested prohibiting local law enforcement from joining joint terrorism task forces and limiting the acquisition of military equipment, citing concerns about their potential use against residents. Decker emphasized the importance of establishing a hotline or online portal for residents to report constitutional abuses by federal authorities, advocating for enhanced documentation and future accountability.

During the question-and-answer segment, council members engaged with Decker on the implications of data sharing and oversight, particularly regarding agreements between local police departments and federal entities. Discussions underscored concerns about data privacy and the accessibility of local data by federal agencies. Council members showed interest in adopting some of Decker’s proposed measures, particularly regarding the use of automatic license plate readers.

Another discussion centered on the separation ordinance, which defines the relationship between the city and federal immigration enforcement. The ordinance, enacted in 2004, was highlighted as timely and relevant, given recent developments in federal practices. Mr. Greenfield, the chief policy officer, presented an analysis of potential changes to the ordinance, emphasizing the need for public input and expert consultation. He highlighted areas where updates might be necessary, such as clarifying city employees’ roles in interactions with federal immigration authorities and prohibiting certain conduct by federal officials.

Council members expressed concerns about balancing the desire for police officers to protect residents from potentially harmful actions by ICE while ensuring city resources do not aid in federal enforcement.

The meeting also addressed the protocols for city employees when interacting with federal agents, particularly ICE. Emphasis was placed on training employees to refer federal agents to supervisors and ensure that ICE agents do not enter private spaces without proper authorization. City employees were instructed to document interactions thoroughly and refer legal matters to the city attorney’s office to ensure their safety and compliance with local protocols.

Concerns were raised about the potential vulnerability of frontline staff facing federal agents who might disregard local protocols. Council members discussed the need for clear guidelines and support systems for city employees navigating these interactions. They acknowledged the psychological impacts on employees witnessing aggressive immigration enforcement and emphasized the importance of proactive measures to support staff emotionally and legally.

The dialogue underscored the urgency of addressing these issues, with council members calling for actionable steps regarding the separation ordinance and related policies. The need for expediency in policy-making was emphasized, with members urging a proactive rather than reactive approach to community demands.