Increased Federal Activity in Minneapolis-St. Paul: Navigating Immigration Enforcement and Rights

The Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area has seen increased federal activity, particularly in immigration enforcement, prompting concerns and questions from residents. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the current situation, outlining the roles of various federal agencies, available resources, and recent developments impacting the community.

Federal Agency Presence and Operations

Several federal agencies are active in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, each with distinct responsibilities. These include:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): CBP operates at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and has a local office at Terminal 2. As of February 22, 2026, the CBP office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM CT, and closed on weekends and holidays. CBP handles firearm and vehicle registration, requiring completion of Form 4457 for firearms and recommending the use of a licensed customs broker for vehicle import/export.
• Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): ICE is responsible for enforcing immigration laws within the United States.
• Transportation Security Administration (TSA): The TSA maintains a presence at MSP Airport, focusing on transportation security.
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): The FBI is involved in various federal law enforcement matters.

The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) clarifies that it cannot interfere with the operations of these federal agencies or limit their access to airport properties, including post-security areas. More information can be found on the MSP Airport website.

Minneapolis’ Separation Ordinance and Police Department Policy

The City of Minneapolis has updated its separation ordinance to limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Key aspects of the ordinance include:

• Prohibition of City participation in immigration enforcement.
• Prevention of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from staging on City-owned lots and ramps.
• Updated training for City employees on the separation ordinance.

The Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) emphasizes its commitment to community policing and protecting the safety of all residents, regardless of immigration status. According to the City of Minneapolis, MPD officers will not inquire about a person’s immigration status unless it is directly related to a criminal investigation, such as human trafficking or smuggling.

Recent Developments and Concerns

Recent increased federal immigration enforcement activity in the Twin Cities has raised concerns within the community. In January 2026, reports surfaced regarding the use of force by CBP officers during operations in Minneapolis. NPR reported that the operation commander was replaced and a Border Czar was sent to oversee the situation. Critics have pointed to a potential mismatch between the training and experience of federal immigration agents and the demands of urban policing and crowd control.

A 2026 report highlighted that CBP officers were equipped with less-lethal weapons, such as pepper spray, following recommendations from previous reviews. However, concerns remain regarding the agency’s preparedness for operating in urban environments.

Resources and Contact Information

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): +1 952-857-3100
• CBP Hiring Center: 1-855-500-3722
• Minneapolis Police Department: Information available on the City of Minneapolis website.

This information is current as of February 22, 2026, and is based on publicly available sources.