Commissioners denounce aggressive tactics used by federal agents in Operation Metro Surge
In a unanimous vote, the Ramsey County Board condemned the aggressive tactics used by federal immigration enforcement agents and mourned the loss of life, physical injury and community trauma resulting from Operation Metro Surge. Commissioners also called for an independent investigation of the “preventable and brutal” killings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti.
“We cannot back down,” said Board Vice Chair Mai Chong Xiong. “We must deploy every resource and every authority available to defend the rights of our residents, including their right to be here without fear. We’re joining others who are calling for an end to Operation Metro Surge before more damage is done to our communities.”
Commissioners also directed the county manager to continue the county’s structured, coordinated response to Metro Surge, including:
- Partnering with trusted community organizations to provide eviction prevention and food security.
- Finding additional ways for residents to access county services with virtual options similar to COVID response.
- Developing a cohesive communications strategy for the county’s workforce, subsidiaries and partners so shared information is accurate and better coordinated.
- Ongoing staff trainings on immigration enforcement interactions.
- Reviewing and adjusting policies and procedures to better protect the safety, well-being and rights of clients, workers, partners and residents – including installation of signs indicating that county parking lots are only for designated county activities.
- Mitigating long-term mental health and economic impacts to the community.
“Our county has been fully and unequivocally engaged in responding to Operation Metro Surge as it has unfolded in our community over the past several weeks,” said Commissioner Rafael Ortega, board chair. “We are firmly committed to ensuring uninterrupted access to county services and the continuity of essential community services. To that end, we’ve directed the county manager to continue leading and leveraging a structured, coordinated response.”
More information
Related news
The YouTube stream joins the county’s existing broadcast, giving residents more ways to watch commissioner meetings from any location. Recorded meetings will be available in both locations for on-demand viewing after the meetings conclude.
The 157,000-square-foot headquarters is the first phase of developing Outlot A, a 40-acre parcel on the north end of Rice Creek Commons and has welcomed 300+ employees to the site.