City Council to Decide on Hotel Liquor Licenses Amid ICE Controversy Today

High-Stakes Vote Scheduled for 9:30 A.M. Session

The Minneapolis City Council is scheduled to meet for a high-stakes full session today, Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber. This meeting marks a critical juncture for the city as it continues to grapple with the aftermath of "Operation Metro Surge," a period of intense federal immigration enforcement that has caused significant economic disruption and heightened community tensions across the region.

Controversial Liquor License Renewals

The centerpiece of today's agenda is a final vote on whether to renew or deny liquor licenses for several prominent hotels. This debate follows allegations that certain hospitality businesses cooperated with or provided housing for federal agents during the recent federal operations. Earlier this week, the Committee of the Whole narrowly voted 7–6 to advance the matter to the full Council without a recommendation, highlighting the deep divide among city leaders regarding how to hold local businesses accountable.

Critics of the hotels, including some Council members, have argued that businesses providing rooms to agents involved in the operations contributed to community trauma. Conversely, the City Attorney has previously cautioned the Council against using the political actions or hospitality choices of businesses as a primary screening tool for administrative approvals. Among the establishments that have been the focus of recent debate are The Depot Minneapolis and the Graduate Hotel, the latter of which saw significant protests earlier this month.

Response to Operation Metro Surge

Today’s session is occurring under a temporary "Super Committee" structure, which the Council adopted to respond more nimbly to the federal crisis. Mayor Jacob Frey has estimated the financial impact of the federal presence at over $200 million, citing massive losses to small businesses and disruptions in the city's construction and transit sectors. The Council is expected to discuss further efforts to secure state and federal disaster relief funding to aid local residents and business owners in their recovery.

Afternoon Committee Meetings

While the full Council meeting takes precedence this morning, several other government bodies are slated to meet later today to conduct regular city business:

• The Pedestrian Advisory Committee will meet at 4:00 p.m. in the Public Service Building to review upcoming infrastructure and safety projects.
• The Charter Commission’s Government Structure Work Group will convene at 4:00 p.m. in Room 392 of City Hall to discuss potential changes to city governance.
• The Planning Commission Committee of the Whole is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. in the Public Service Building to review development proposals.

Residents may attend the morning session in person at Room 380 of City Hall or view the proceedings via the city's live broadcast services.