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Minnesota Suburbs Form Coalition to Limit ICE Cooperation

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. rbs-form-coalition-to-limit-ice-cooperation.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, February 8th 2026 at 23:41 GMT by Patch
      Locales: Minnesota, UNITED STATES

PLYMOUTH, MN - February 9th, 2026 - In a significant development highlighting the growing tension between local governance and federal immigration policy, thirteen suburban communities in Minnesota have officially formed a coalition dedicated to limiting cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The move, announced late last week, signals a hardening of attitudes towards ICE operations and a concerted effort to protect immigrant residents and maintain community cohesion.

The coalition, comprised of the cities of Hopkins, Maple Grove, Medina, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Richfield, Robbinsdale, St. Louis Park, Wayzata, Champlin, Golden Valley, Crystal, and New Hope - primarily located within Hennepin and Ramsey counties - represents a unified front against what local leaders perceive as overly aggressive and destabilizing ICE tactics. While details of specific policies are still being finalized, the core aim appears to be a significant curtailment of local law enforcement assistance to federal immigration enforcement efforts.

Plymouth Mayor Kelli Bonlenger, a key proponent of the initiative, stated, "We believe that everyone deserves to feel safe and welcome in their community. This coalition is a way for us to stand together and protect our residents." This sentiment reflects a broader concern among city officials that ICE activities erode trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve, particularly within immigrant populations. Fear of deportation, even for minor offenses or simply due to immigration status, can discourage reporting of crimes and participation in civic life.

This isn't an isolated incident. Across the United States, a growing number of cities and counties are adopting similar "sanctuary" policies or limiting their cooperation with ICE. The trend began in earnest in the early 2000s, but has accelerated in recent years, fueled by increasingly stringent federal immigration enforcement under previous administrations and continued concerns about due process and equitable treatment. Cities like San Francisco, New York, and Chicago have long-standing policies designed to protect undocumented immigrants, but the movement is now expanding to traditionally more conservative areas, like these Minnesota suburbs.

Experts suggest several factors are contributing to this growing resistance. Firstly, demographic shifts in suburban areas have led to increased diversity and a larger immigrant population. These communities are recognizing the economic and social contributions of their immigrant residents and are more willing to actively defend them. Secondly, anecdotal evidence and reports from advocacy groups suggest that ICE operations have often been disruptive and, in some cases, conducted without clear justification or adherence to legal procedures. This has generated public outcry and demands for greater local control.

The legal framework surrounding the coalition's efforts is complex. The Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, and by extension, to local governments. This allows cities and counties a degree of autonomy in determining how they allocate their resources and cooperate with federal agencies. However, federal law also grants ICE broad authority to enforce immigration laws, and legal challenges are likely if the coalition's policies are perceived as actively obstructing legitimate federal investigations. The Department of Justice under previous administrations has actively sued sanctuary jurisdictions, arguing that their policies violate federal law and endanger public safety.

Beyond limiting cooperation with ICE, the coalition plans to advocate for comprehensive immigration reform at the state and federal levels. This includes pushing for policies that provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, protect Dreamers (individuals brought to the U.S. as children), and address the root causes of migration. They are also exploring ways to provide legal assistance and support services to immigrant residents, ensuring they understand their rights and have access to legal counsel if needed.

The formation of this coalition raises important questions about the future of immigration enforcement in the United States. Is this a temporary resistance movement, or does it represent a fundamental shift in the relationship between local governments and federal immigration authorities? Will other suburban communities follow suit, creating a network of ICE-resistant enclaves? And how will the federal government respond to this growing wave of local pushback? The answers to these questions will undoubtedly shape the landscape of immigration policy for years to come. The coming months will be critical as the coalition fleshes out its policies and navigates the inevitable legal and political challenges that lie ahead.