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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 029-26 - Resolution - Rochester Compassionate City RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF ROCHESTER TO REAFFIRM THE CITY OF ROCHESTER AS A COMPASSIONATE CITY WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that recent changes to federal immigration policies and enforcement practices have generated fear and anxiety among city residents and visitors; and WHEREAS, the City of Rochester will continue to uphold its commitment to be a community free of prejudice, bigotry, and hate; and WHEREAS, it is the intent of the City of Rochester that no person be denied the equal protection of the laws, nor shall any person be denied the enjoyment of their civil and constitutional rights or be discriminated against because of age, race, physical ability, religion, sexual orientation, or immigration status; and WHEREAS, the City of Rochester recognizes that such discrimination poses a threat to the health, safety, and general welfare of the residents of Rochester and menaces the institutions and foundation of our community; and WHEREAS, the City of Rochester affirms the protections of the First Amendment for the free practice of religion, speech, and the right of the people to peacefully assemble; and WHEREAS, the City of Rochester recognizes that the United States federal government is responsible for enforcing federal civil immigration laws, thus the City has no authority or jurisdiction for such enforcement; and WHEREAS, a relationship of trust between Minnesota’s immigrant residents, Black Indigenous People Of Color (BIPOC) communities, and our local agencies, including law enforcement, schools, and healthcare providers, is essential to carrying out basic local functions; and WHEREAS, the Rochester Police Department is committed to the ongoing work of building and maintaining transparent relationships with communities of color and immigrant populations, acknowledging that consistent engagement and open dialogue are necessary to bridge historical divides and ensure the protection of all residents' civil rights; and WHEREAS, the City of Rochester recognizes the authority and jurisdiction of federal government agents to engage in lawful enforcement action, but strongly urges them not to: break up families; deport those that do not have legal status but have otherwise been law abiding; detain or deport anyone who is a victim or a witness in an ongoing investigation, court proceeding or trial; conduct enforcement actions at schools, places of worship or City buildings. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City reaffirms its declaration to be a CITY OF COMPASSION (resolution adopted September 18, 2017); and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: 1. The City of Rochester (City) and the Rochester Police Department (RPD) reaffirm that both entities do not engage in activities solely for the purpose of enforcing federal immigration law. 2. The City and RPD reaffirm that both entities shall not enter into any partnerships or written agreements with federal authorities for the sake of enforcing federal civil immigration law according to section 287(g) of the INA. 3. The City affirms that RPD has operated under a clear, consistent, and constitutionally grounded immigration-related policy for several years. That policy has guided daily practice, decision-making, and community engagement in full compliance with state and federal law, while protecting civil liberties, the United States and Minnesota constitutions, and maintaining public trust. The Rochester Police Department will continue to operate under this policy Rochester Police Department Policy Manual, Policy 413. 4. The City affirms that RPD will not detain, transport, or remove individuals for immigration enforcement proceedings or detain individuals based solely on immigration status, including during traffic stops. 5. The City affirms that RPD will not assist federal authorities with immigration enforcement activities. RPD will continue to focus on matters that protect the safety of the community and are consistent with the Department’s mission, values, and lawful public safety responsibilities. 6. The City affirms its strong support for the Rochester Police Department and its continued commitment to serving the community with professionalism, integrity, and respect, recognizing that this longstanding professionalism includes responding to community concerns and complaints and reviewing them in accordance with established policies and laws. 7. The City Council is entrusting that RPD and the City organization will provide clear, stable communication regarding the Mission, Core values, and Vision of RPD contained in the document “A Blueprint for Re-envisioning Rochester Police Department” with the community, with special emphasis placed on communication channels that reach vulnerable populations. PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROCHESTER, MINNESOTA, THIS __________ DAY OF _______________, 2026. ___________________________________ PRESIDENT OF SAID COMMON COUNCIL ATTEST: __________________________ CITY CLERK APPROVED THIS _____ DAY OF ______________________, 2026. ___________________________________ MAYOR OF SAID CITY (Seal of the City of Rochester, Minnesota)