Photo by Max Jasper | The Roseville Reporter

Roseville pushes for temporary housing protections while residents continue to call for stronger response to ICE activity

By Max Jasper — Community reporter

The Roseville City Council voted Monday to advance a resolution and letter urging Gov. Tim Walz to enact a temporary moratorium on evictions and foreclosures during Operation Metro Surge, citing widespread fear and instability caused by federal immigration enforcement across the Twin Cities.

The action came after more than a week of emotional testimony from residents who described avoiding work, school and basic errands due to the presence of federal agents. Council members said the request to the governor is intended to prevent displacement and give local governments time to coordinate housing and financial assistance.

“Time is of the essence,” Council Member Wayne Groff said.

The council approved the resolution as drafted and directed staff to send the accompanying letter to Walz with minor edits, including language allowing cities more flexibility to use state housing sales tax funds for renters and homeowners affected by the enforcement surge.

Council Member Robin Schroeder said the moratorium must account for both renters and homeowners, especially first‑time buyers and small landlords who may struggle if tenants cannot safely work or pay rent.

“If [Operation Metro Surge] is affecting renters, it’s probably affecting homeowners too, I want to make sure we don’t exclude them,” Schroeder said.

Mayor Dan Roe supported expanding the request to include foreclosure protections.

Residents pressed the council to adopt firmer language, arguing the city’s draft resolution did not fully reflect the severity of the situation.

“Everything the community is telling you is to be more direct and a little more assertive and forceful because what’s happening is forceful against our communities,” said Callie, a Roseville resident. “You are not just representing Roseville at this point… You will perhaps be one of the leading cities preparing an eviction notice for Governor Walz.”

Another resident, Jesse O’Neill, urged the council not to delay.

“This crisis is an intentional one… targeted at our most vulnerable community members,” he said. “I would encourage you to take what you can now but not sacrifice expediency to nitpick the language.”

Several residents emphasized the urgency of acting before Feb. 1. 

“We’re five days away from rent being due,” said resident Carrie Gelli. “If there’s any way to act on this faster, I would encourage the council to do so.”

The council’s discussion came the same night it released a statement condemning recent federal immigration enforcement actions, saying they “stand in direct opposition to the City of Roseville’s core values.” The statement cited fear, disruptions of daily life and shaken trust in public institutions, adding, “Our community cannot thrive when people are afraid.”

While the council acknowledged it cannot set federal policy, members said the city has a responsibility to respond to the local impacts of Operation Metro Surge.

“We choose to respond with care, resolve and an unwavering commitment to those who live, work and visit Roseville,” the statement read.

The council will finalize its full list of 2026 legislative priorities on Feb. 9, but members said the eviction and foreclosure moratorium request could not wait for the legislative session to begin Feb. 17.