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A few Blaine residents raised concerns about federal immigration enforcement activity during the Blaine City Council’s Jan. 21 meeting, as city officials clarified the police department’s role and limitations regarding federal law enforcement. Early in the meeting, Police Chief Brian Podany said the department has received inquiries about federal law enforcement activity occurring in the city. Podany said the Blaine Police Department is not involved in federal immigration enforcement and defers all immigration matters to federal authorities. He said federal officers have been present in most or all cities across the Twin Cities metro area, as well as in many cities statewide. ...

Fridley Mayor David Ostwald issued a statement on Facebook addressing recent immigration enforcement activity in the city, saying residents deserve to feel safe and assuring that city services — including policing — will be provided without discrimination. Ostwald said that he had been having conversations with people in the community over the past several weeks, and that they had reinforced that Fridley was a community that cared deeply for one another. ...

The Blaine City Council unanimously approved a conditional use permit allowing Thumos Fitness to open a new location in an industrial area on 91st Avenue Northeast. Thumos’ website describes the business as a place where “faith and fitness are forged.” In addition to fitness equipment and classes, the center includes a smoothie bar and hosts Bible study groups. Community Development Director Sheila Sellman said the site is zoned light industrial, consistent with properties to the north and west. Properties to the east and south are zoned heavy industrial. ...

The St. Francis City Council voted Jan. 20 to formalize a resolution directing the city to fly Minnesota’s 1957 state flag rather than the current official flag flown at the Minnesota State Capitol. The resolution was approved 5-0 and states the city’s opposition to flying the current state flag. The vote followed earlier council discussion in which Mayor Mark Vogel described the move as a statement opposing actions taken at the state level in adopting the new flag, which was chosen through a legislative redesign process and made the official state flag in 2024. ...

In the article on the Blaine High School walkout, the correct spelling of Gibe’s name is “Nolawi Gibe.” ABC Newspapers apologizes for the error. Original Article

A Columbia Heights resident reported that a Hmong man with a wife and three children was taken from his home by Immigration and Customs Enforcement near the intersection of Arthur Street NE and 39th Avenue NE on Sunday, Jan. 18. Jerrod Linderman, who lives across the street from the family, said he heard whistling and honking before going to his front door. “Within a few seconds, a whole bunch of ICE vehicles pulled up in front of my neighbors’ house,” Linderman said. “Ten agents jumped up and walked to his door and took a battering ram. They weren’t shouting anything, they just knocked down his door and went in.” ...

The St. Francis City Council indicated support for reverting to Minnesota’s pre-2023 state flag during its Jan. 6 meeting, following a suggestion from Mayor Mark Vogel. The Minnesota Legislature adopted the current state flag design in 2023 after recommendations from the State Emblems Redesign Commission. The previous flag, last redesigned in 1957, has drawn criticism for its depiction of a Native American riding into the sunset while a white settler plows a field. ...

A planned in-person community meeting moved online Jan. 17 as more than 300 people joined a Zoom call following city facility closures amid reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity. The event, originally scheduled for the Fridley Community Center, was sponsored by United Front and focused on connecting volunteers with organizations providing support to communities affected by immigration enforcement. Several elected officials attended, including Rep. Erin Koegel, Anoka County Commissioners Mandy Meisner and Mike Gamache, State Sen. Mary Kuenesh, Columbia Heights Mayor Amada Marquez Simula and New Brighton City Council Member Grahame Allen. ...

“Today we have learned the power of community.” These were the words of Nolawi Gibe amidst a walkout staged by several Blaine High School Students on the afternoon of Tuesday, Jan. 13. The walkout was in opposition to recent immigration enforcement activity around the county and state, as well as the shooting death of Renee Good at the hands of an ICE officer. Jonathan Ross is the officer accused of the shooting. ...

Pancho’s Taqueria has reopened with limited hours after temporarily closing following the detention of one of its employees by federal officers earlier this month, according to the restaurant. In a Facebook post dated Jan. 16, Pancho’s said it had resumed operations from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., offering dine-in, takeout and pickup service. The restaurant said hours could change depending on staff and customer safety. Doors are currently controlled access only, and the post stated that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers are barred from entry. ...