Council Cancels Meetings as Mayor Declares Non-Cooperation with Federal Agents
City Council Suspends Sessions Amid Federal Enforcement Crisis
Today, Wednesday, January 28, 2026, the Minneapolis City Council has officially suspended its regular legislative schedule, including the cancellation of this afternoon's planned meeting of the Public Health, Safety & Equity Committee. The suspension of committee activities comes as the municipal government shifts its entire focus toward managing the fallout from a massive federal immigration enforcement surge that has gripped the city in recent weeks.
The Council announced that items originally slated for discussion today, which was scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. in Room 380 of City Hall, will be deferred to the Committee of the Whole. Council President Elliott Payne and Council Member Jason Chavez indicated that the decision to pause standing committee meetings—including those for Business, Housing & Zoning and Climate & Infrastructure—is necessary to allow city administration and staff to prioritize the immediate safety of constituents. The next major sessions for the full body are now anticipated for February 3 and February 17.
Mayor Frey Meets with Federal Officials
Amid the legislative standstill, Mayor Jacob Frey held a high-stakes briefing today following a meeting with the newly appointed federal border czar, Tom Homan. The session was a direct response to the escalating tensions surrounding "Operation Metro Surge," a federal crackdown that has resulted in thousands of agents being deployed to the Twin Cities. Mayor Frey issued a firm statement this morning, reiterating that the City of Minneapolis will not cooperate with federal agents in the enforcement of immigration laws. Frey stated that the city remains focused on keeping neighbors and streets safe without diverting local resources to assist federal operations.
The Mayor's office confirmed that they have requested an immediate de-escalation of the federal presence following the fatal shootings of two residents, Alex Pretti and Renee Good, by federal agents earlier this month. While Homan characterized the meetings as a "productive starting point," Mayor Frey has remained steadfast in his demand that the federal mission be recalibrated to avoid further civilian casualties.
Security Concerns and Public Safety Updates
The political atmosphere in the city was further complicated today by updates regarding an assault on U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar. Following a town hall incident in Minneapolis where the Congresswoman was sprayed with an unknown liquid, Mayor Frey condemned the attack as "unacceptable" and a violation of the city's democratic values. Local law enforcement has been placed on high alert as the city council encourages residents to remain vigilant. With the cancellation of today's safety committee meeting, the city's executive branch is currently leading the response to both the federal surge and the localized civil unrest, with further updates expected by the end of the week.