Photo by Max Jasper

Council decision aligns with broader city response that includes new ordinances, resource pages and community safety initiatives.

By Max Jasper — Community reporter

The Roseville City Council approved on Monday a revised immigration policy for the Roseville Police Department (RPD), capping several weeks of intense community testimony and rapid city action in response to the federal government’s Operation Metro Surge.

The updated language in Policy 413, particularly Section 413.6, places clearer limits on how RPD interacts with federal immigration authorities and reflects recommendations from the city’s Multicultural Advisory Committee (MAC), police leadership and community members.

After reviewing the updated draft and questioning staff, the council voted to adopt the new language for Section 413.6, the only portion of the police manual that requires council approval under a 2017 resolution.

The motion passed following discussion about the MAC’s role, the removal of outdated task‑force language and confirmation that body‑worn cameras would be active during any RPD response to federal operations.

The approved language explicitly prohibits RPD from participating in immigration enforcement and limits the department’s role to public safety only during federal immigration actions.

“Members shall not participate in immigration enforcement and shall not inquire about a person’s immigration status unless such inquiry is directly related to a local criminal investigation,” the new policy states.

City Manager Patrick Trudgeon said the revisions reflect the MAC’s recommendations and the council’s direction from January meetings. Police Chief Erika Scheider added that MAC members provided consistent feedback and only minor wording edits.

The policy update is part of a larger response the city has undertaken since federal immigration enforcement intensified mid‑January.

Trudgeon outlined a long list of actions, including:

• Posting signs restricting city parking lots to prevent immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) staging.
• Updating the Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) policy to explicitly prohibit sharing data with immigration authorities.
• Passing an ordinance and resolution on Jan. 22 prohibiting the use of city resources for federal immigration enforcement.
• Issuing a Jan. 26 statement denouncing federal actions and urging Gov. Tim Walz to enact a temporary eviction and foreclosure moratorium.
• Creating immigrant resource pages for residents and businesses.
• Locking park restrooms and buildings unless reserved.
• Developing a Trusted Messenger program to improve communication with immigrant communities.
• Preparing rent assistance options for residents affected by enforcement actions.
• Distributing multilingual flyers explaining RPD’s role and how to file complaints about federal agents.

“We want to make sure it’s clear that people understand what the role of the police department is,” Trudgeon said.

City Attorney Rachel Tierney briefed the council on the lawsuit filed by the state of Minnesota and the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul seeking to halt Operation Metro Surge. A federal judge recently denied the state’s request for a preliminary injunction, but the case continues.

“The case isn’t dead yet,” Tierney said. “Even without the preliminary injunction, the case will move forward on its merits.”

Tierney said her office is beginning work on potential amicus briefs and will update the council if the attorney general requests formal city participation.

The council also discussed whether to join the newly formed Cities for Safe and Stable Communities, a coalition of mostly suburban cities advocating for de‑escalation of federal tactics and greater local control. At least 30 cities are considering joining.

Councilmember Wayne Groff emphasized the value of collective advocacy. 

“When more people do it, especially in larger groups, you get a stronger voice,” he said.

The council directed staff to gather additional information and explore placing the item on the Feb. 23 agenda.

With the approval of the revised Policy 413.6, Roseville now has its strongest and most explicit limits on local involvement in federal immigration enforcement since 2017. Trudgeon emphasized that the city’s work is ongoing.

“This is work that’s going to continue day after day, week after week,” he said. “As situations change, we’ll pivot to address those issues.”