By Rich Larson, KYMN News
Northfield city leaders are emphasizing their commitment to constitutional principles, public safety, and community trust as federal immigration enforcement actions continue to spark fear and disruption across Minnesota.
On Tuesday night, during the regular City Council meeting, Mayor Erica Zweifel read a prepared statement addressing concerns raised by residents about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity both locally and statewide. The statement, now posted on the city’s website, outlines Northfield’s values, clarifies the city’s limited role in federal immigration enforcement, and directs residents to local resources.
The statement, the full text of which can be read here, acknowledges the fear and uncertainty expressed by families, students, businesses, and faith communities. While emphasizing that cities do not control federal immigration policy, Zweifel said Northfield has a responsibility to speak clearly about its values and expectations.
Zweifel referenced the city’s vision of being “open, safe, and welcoming,” and noted that city council members and local officials are sworn to uphold the U.S. Constitution. She also publicly recognized Police Chief Jeff Schroepfer and the Northfield Police Department, stressing that local police do not enforce federal immigration law and remain focused on professionalism, de-escalation, and serving the entire community.
“They’re stuck between a rock and a hard place,” she said.
City Administrator Ben Martig echoed those concerns, describing both operational and community impacts stemming from current ICE tactics. Martig, who oversees the police department, said there has historically been limited cooperation with federal immigration authorities in cases involving serious crimes, but current conditions are different.
He cited a recent incident reported by Brooklyn Park’s police chief involving armed ICE agents stopping an off-duty officer as an example of escalating concerns, and he said just the threat of aggressive ICE situations has already affected the city.
“As we’ve talked about, there’s been a long history of cooperation with immigration enforcement and in particular around the more serious crimes that would be occurring than trying to do enforcement with those limited individuals where that comes into play. We’re in a different world right now where there’s no communication happening, a lot of questionable use of force that we’ve observed, tactics that are happening. And so that’s really caused an impact.”
According to Martig, the situation is straining city operations, diverting staff time toward communications and crisis response, and affecting local service providers, schools, and the economy.
Zweifel’s statement calls on federal immigration officials to uphold due process, avoid intimidation, respect free speech, and operate transparently. She also urged Minnesota’s elected leaders to affirm peace and dignity and support accountability where concerns arise.
The city has expanded access to immigration-related information through its website, including recorded presentations by immigration attorneys, resources curated by the Human Rights Commission, and links to community partners such as the Community Action Center.
In her statement, the Mayor said that Northfield remains committed to the common good of all who live, learn, work, worship, and do business here, and added that city leaders will continue to lead “with care, clarity, and a steadfast commitment to our community.”
Rich Larson is the owner and General manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
