Minneapolis City Council Convenes as Federal Mediation Begins Over Immigration Crisis
City Council Meeting and Federal Oversight
The Minneapolis City Council is scheduled to meet today, Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in Room 380 of City Hall. The session comes at a pivotal moment for the city as local leaders continue to navigate the fallout from "Operation Metro Surge," a federal immigration enforcement campaign that has sparked weeks of protests and political friction. While the council handles various municipal items, the overshadowing focus remains the city's strained relationship with federal authorities following the recent fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal agents in January.
Federal Drawdown and Local Response
Today's meeting follows an announcement by federal Border Czar Tom Homan regarding a drawdown of approximately 700 immigration officers from the state. Despite this reduction, Mayor Jacob Frey and Community Safety Commissioner Todd Barnette have expressed ongoing concern, noting that roughly 2,000 federal agents remain deployed in the region. Mayor Frey, who has been a vocal critic of the surge, stated that while the drawdown is a step in the right direction, the continued presence of federal forces remains "catastrophic" for local businesses and residents. Vice President JD Vance is also reportedly in Minneapolis today to address the situation, blaming local officials for the ongoing tensions.
Liquor License Delays and Hotel Protests
In a related move earlier this week, the City Council’s Committee of the Whole voted to delay liquor license renewals for two major downtown hotels—the Depot Renaissance and the Canopy by Hilton. The delay is a direct response to reports that these establishments have been housing federal agents involved in the crackdown. The council is expected to discuss the matter further in upcoming sessions, citing the significant disruption to community life and the large-scale "noise protests" that have occurred outside these locations.
Mediation and Legal Proceedings
Concurrent with the council session, a critical mediation session is taking place today with a federal magistrate judge. The mediation was ordered by U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel to address a lawsuit filed by The Advocates for Human Rights. The suit alleges that federal agents have unconstitutionally blocked legal counsel from accessing detainees at the Whipple Building. Representatives from the federal government with the authority to bind the administration’s actions in Minnesota are required to attend the session.
Afternoon Advisory Committees
Following the full council meeting, two additional government sessions are scheduled for this afternoon. The Pedestrian Advisory Committee will meet at 4:00 p.m. in Room 100AB of the Public Service Building, followed by the Planning Commission Committee of the Whole at 4:30 p.m. in Room 100C. These meetings will focus on long-term infrastructure and urban development projects amidst the current citywide crisis.