(ST. PAUL, MN) – Today, February 19, 2026, the Cities for Safe and Stable Communities Coalition, representing 21 Minnesota municipalities, including Falcon Heights, convened at the Capitol to announce a legislative agenda aimed at stabilizing local economies and restoring public trust following the drawdown of federal officers from Operation Metro Surge.

The coalition is calling for immediate state municipal aid to stabilize cities experiencing the economic ripple effects of the 10-week operation. Mayors reported increased police overtime, business losses, food insecurity, rental assistance requests, and an education crisis. Cities are still tallying costs as the operation de-escalates.

Initial costs paint a stark picture of the surge’s impact beyond the Twin Cities:

• In Bloomington alone, 600 children have switched to remote learning due to fear of enforcement actions during school commutes.
• Brooklyn Park reported over 215 hours in police overtime directly related to managing the surge's disruptions.
• St. Louis Park and Eden Prairie local food shelves and rental assistance programs are facing funding gaps of $80,000 to $100,000.
• Columbia Heights’ local commerce has seen a 40% decline in business.

Beyond financial aid, the coalition also supports policy protections to prevent future federal overreach. These include reinstating “sensitive location” status for hospitals and schools, prohibiting the use of masked agents during local operations, and ending civil offense arrests at courthouses.

The primary objective for the 2026 session is securing municipal aid to restore cities to pre-surge stability. Cities are asking for resources to fix a crisis they did not create but are responsible for repairing.

Cities for Safe and Stable Communities is a nonpartisan coalition of Minnesota local governments working together to preserve community safety, operational stability, and trust between residents and local government. The coalition advocates for coordination grounded in the rule of law, due process, and respect for local governance.

The City of Falcon Heights officially joined the coalition on February 11, 2026, as we are committed to serving every member of the Falcon Heights community with dignity, fairness, and respect, regardless of background or immigration status. Our focus continues to be the safety, well-being, and trust of our residents, neighbors, and visitors. While the City respects the role of federal immigration enforcement, local leaders recognize that actions during the operation taken without regard for local jurisdiction created legal risks and operational chaos.

Resources for the community are available here

City Council Actions

On January 28, the City Council adopted Resolution 26-12 affirming community values and the City’s commitment to public safety and the well-being of all people, regardless of immigration status or national origin.  

• Resolution 26-12 Affirming Community Values and City Action Related to Immigration Enforcement and Responsible Stewardship of City Resources. 

On February 11, the Council adopted ordinance 26-01 to strengthen long-term policy on responsible stewardship of City resources. Under the Ordinance, City property and resources may not be used to support federal immigration enforcement unless authorized by a judicial warrant, subpoena, or similar lawful authorization

• Ordinance 26-01 Amending Chapter 2 of the Falcon Heights City Code Concerning the Stewardship of City Resources.