Duluth City Council to consider resolution on federal immigration efforts in city

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council is slated to discuss a “resolution clarifying the communication and enforcement relationship between the city and the federal government with respect to enforcement of federal civil immigration laws within the city of Duluth.”

The resolution is now on the agenda for the February 9, 2026 City Council Meeting.  It is co-sponsored by city councilors Jordon Johnson, Terese Tomanek, Diane Desotelle, and Lynn Nephew.

The full copy of the proposed resolution is below:

RESOLUTION CLARIFYING THE COMMUNICATION AND ENFORCEMENT RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WITH RESPECT TO ENFORCEMENT OF FEDERAL CIVIL IMMIGRATION LAWS WITHIN THE CITY OF DULUTH.

BY COUNCILORS JOHNSON, TOMANEK, DESOTELLE AND PRESIDENT NEPHEW:

WHEREAS, the city of Duluth, a port city, is committed to upholding the dignity, safety, and legal protections of all residents and enhancing the public safety, economic development, business opportunity, and civil rights for all members in our community; and 

WHEREAS, residents legally immigrating to our community have long been foundational to contributing to the workforce across both historical and current key industries; and

WHEREAS, impacts to our economy have been connected to contributions from various cultural backgrounds and industries, which contributes to the entrepreneurial landscape and future economic vitality of Duluth and the state; and

WHEREAS, the city affirms that due process and protections under the law are foundational constitutional principles that must be safeguarded for all individuals within the city’s jurisdiction; and

WHEREAS, the Tenth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States recognizes the sovereign status of the state and their political subdivisions and precludes the federal government from compelling states and local governments, either directly or by use of threats to withhold federal funding, to assist the federal government in enforcing federal laws, including immigrations laws; and

WHEREAS, our society entrusts law enforcement with significant authority, including the powers to detain, arrest, carry firearms, and use force and our Duluth community both trusts and values our local public safety team including the Fire and Police Departments; and

WHEREAS, conducting law enforcement activities in uniform signals professionalism and service to the public, and prevents the opportunity for rogue or bad actors to defraud and potentially injure community members; and

WHEREAS, the city supports transparent and accountable governance, including the routine public disclosure of immigration enforcement activities that may impact local residents and the economic vitality of our community; and

WHEREAS, the city and all 900 plus city employees play a critical role in public safety, economic vitality, health, and protection of all our residents; and

WHEREAS, the city of Duluth remains committed to a welcoming and respectful atmosphere in which the city upholds and values the protection and safety of all residents; and

WHEREAS, public safety and accountability are supported when public safety officers have clear agency identification and do not hide their identities when interacting with the public, unless they are in an undercover role; and

WHEREAS, the city of Duluth is safer, healthier, and more vibrant when city personnel maintain a relationship of trust, respect, and cooperation with all city residents. 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that although the federal government has the legal authority to enforce immigration laws in the United States, in Minnesota, and in the cities, the city of Duluth will not enforce or operate its programs for the purpose of enforcing federal civil immigration laws.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that except as required by federal law or court order, city agencies, departments, officers, employees or agents shall not use city resources, including but not limited to monies, equipment, personnel, or city facilities, buildings, or property to assist in or otherwise facilitate the enforcement of federal civil immigration laws.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that nothing in this resolution shall prohibit public safety personnel from assisting federal law enforcement officers in the investigation of criminal activity involving individuals present in the United States who may also be in violation of federal civil immigration laws.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the city recognizes that enforcement of federal civil immigration law is under the sole purview of the federal government and not local government, and nothing in this resolution shall be construed to violate any valid federal law, or to prohibit any city department or employee from complying with 8 U.S.C.1373.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that nothing in this resolution prohibits city employees from responding to a properly issued subpoena.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:  This resolution clarifies the communication and enforcement relationship between the city and the federal government including the United States Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies with respect to the enforcement of federal civil immigration laws within the city of Duluth.