Minneapolis Police chief urges 911 calls for suspected ICE activity, highlights civil rights protection as federal immigration operations loom in Twin Cities.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara has instructed officers to be ready to intervene if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conduct operations in the city, emphasizing protection of residents’ civil rights. The guidance comes amid planned federal immigration enforcement and heightened tensions following remarks by President Donald Trump targeting Somali immigrants.
Speaking at a city press conference, O’Hara advised residents to call 911 if they observe masked individuals in their neighborhoods, a precaution aimed at some ICE agents who wear masks to protect their identities. “Provide as much information as possible. … We will immediately respond,” O’Hara said, stressing the department’s commitment to safeguarding civil liberties during federal enforcement activities.
The chief further reminded officers of their duty to intervene in situations where residents’ civil rights may be at risk, a stance reflecting Minneapolis’ long-standing “sanctuary city” policies and broader national debates over local law enforcement’s role in immigration matters.
The announcement follows President Trump’s recent statements criticizing Somali immigrants, claiming they “contribute nothing” to the nation. During a Tuesday December 2, 2025, Cabinet meeting, Trump said, “I don’t want [Somalians] in our country – I’ll be honest with you,” and made derogatory comments about Representative Ilhan Omar, a Somali-American congresswoman, calling her “garbage.”
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In response to federal enforcement plans in the Twin Cities, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey reaffirmed that the city will not cooperate with ICE operations. At a news conference, he addressed concerns in Somali, aiming to directly communicate with local immigrant communities.
Somali Minneapolis City Council Member Jamal Osman condemned Trump’s remarks as “racist, xenophobic and Islamophobic,” and also spoke in Somali to reach his constituents. Both officials stressed the importance of community awareness and cooperation with local law enforcement in the event of federal immigration activity.
The developments come amid broader national scrutiny of immigration enforcement practices and their impact on minority communities, particularly in cities with large immigrant populations. Minneapolis’ proactive approach signals a continued emphasis on civil rights protections and community policing in the face of federal actions.
Law enforcement experts note that such guidance—encouraging reporting of suspicious activity and emphasizing officers’ responsibility to intervene—represents an increasingly common strategy in U.S. cities seeking to balance federal immigration mandates with local public safety and civil liberties priorities.
As federal agencies prepare potential operations, city officials are urging residents to remain vigilant, stay informed, and report any concerning activity, reinforcing the message that civil rights and public safety remain intertwined priorities in Minneapolis neighborhoods.
