Council conversations involve Rochester’s response to federal immigration enforcement efforts

ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – The Rochester City Council voted Monday evening to adopt a resolution to reaffirm its position as a compassionate city.

The resolution was approved with full council support.

According to the city, the main purpose of this action is to clarify and reassure the community about Rochester’s stance on federal immigration issues by restating current practices and values.

The council’s action does not change any legal authority, local enforcement responsibility, or the city’s relationship with federal immigration officials.

Councilmembers also narrowly approved to join the litigation effort by other Minnesota cities to document the local impacts of Operation Metro Surge.

This measure passed on a 4-3 vote, with councilmembers Andy Friederichs, Shaun Palmer and Norman Wahl opposing the motion, citing concerns about the partisan nature of the litigation.

“I have read the 80 page suit and it understandably reads as a partisan document since entities of the DFL are suing a Republican federal agency,” said Wahl. “The document leaves no question as to its partisanship.”

Local impacts to be included in what’s called an amicus brief could include the effects of immigration enforcement operations on businesses, schools, medical care, housing and public safety.

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