City of New HopeMinnesota

Immigration Resources

New Hope City Council Shares Statement on Federal Immigration Enforcement: Adopted Jan. 26, 2026

Federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota and across the country has affected people, families and communities, including those in New Hope. The New Hope City Council understands the real harm these actions cause. No one should have to fear being separated from their family or losing access to help in an emergency. These concerns are real and deserve thoughtful, compassionate recognition.

New Hope’s diversity is one of our greatest strengths. We are committed to being a community where all people are treated with dignity, where human rights are respected, and where actions that undermine trust or raise serious constitutional concerns are never ignored. Such actions contradict our shared values and the principles of fairness and justice. We believe in supporting the rights, safety and dignity of everyone within our community.

The New Hope Police Department’s mission remains steadfast: to protect the lives and property of our residents and visitors, to reduce fear and enhance safety and to work side by side with our diverse community. The department enforces state and local laws, does not enforce federal civil immigration laws and does not ask individuals about immigration status or documentation.

Calling 911 for police, fire or medical emergencies is safe and appropriate for everyone. City services exist to serve the entire community and do not discriminate.

To support residents seeking reliable information, the City has added immigration-related resources to its website, including information on individual rights and access to legal assistance.

We are committed to listening, communicating and standing firmly with our community to ensure New Hope remains a place where all people feel safe, supported and respected. Community voices and lived experiences are an important part of these conversations. We encourage you to reach out to us, stay connected and be part of the ongoing dialogue.

City of New Hope Joins Coalition to Restore Stability and Protect Local Resources

The City of New Hope has joined other metro-area cities as part of Cities for Safe and Stable Communities, a nonpartisan coalition of Minnesota local governments working together to address operational and economic instability stemming from recent federal actions. After being approached about the City’s potential participation, Mayor John Elder brought the proposal forward for full Council discussion and consideration at the Feb. 9 City Council meeting.

By joining the coalition, New Hope adds its voice to a growing number of cities calling for the immediate de-escalation of Operation Metro Surge and a return to the stability that residents, businesses and local governments depend on.

While the City of New Hope respects the role of federal immigration enforcement, city leaders have expressed concern about actions taken without coordination or regard for local jurisdiction. Officials note that such actions can create legal uncertainty, strain local resources and disrupt essential operations.

The decision follows an initial assessment of the local impacts of Operation Metro Surge. City leadership identified concerns including increased strain on police, fire and emergency medical services; negative impacts on local businesses and neighborhood quality of life; rising housing insecurity; and concerns raised by community partners, including school districts, nonprofit organizations and neighborhood groups, regarding safety, service capacity and long-term community stability.

As a member of Cities for Safe and Stable Communities, New Hope supports the coalition’s collective call for:

Respect for local control: Ensuring federal actions respect local authority, due process, and constitutional protections.
Economic stabilization: Protecting local businesses, workers, and economic activity from unnecessary disruption.
Immediate de-escalation: Allowing cities to conserve limited resources and focus on rebuilding trust so residents can feel safe and secure in their communities.

About Cities for Safe and Stable Communities
Cities for Safe and Stable Communities is a nonpartisan coalition of Minnesota local governments committed to preserving 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 Cities for Safe and Stable Communities coalition welcomes today’s announcement by Border Czar Tom Homan regarding the conclusion of the surge within the coming weeks. Coalition leaders are encouraged by the news that federal officers will be withdrawn or redeployed, signaling the de-escalation our communities have urgently requested.

The end of this 10-week operation that has disrupted local communities marks a transition to a long recovery process. The surge has imposed tangible financial and social costs on municipalities. Beyond the direct strain on city budgets, the instability has disrupted schools, forced local business closures, and created widespread economic uncertainty. Our focus now shifts to economic recovery and restoring confidence in the government's ability to provide long-term stability of the neighborhoods and workforce that help Minnesota’s economic engine thrive.

“Many in our city have faced uncertainty and disruption that impacted daily life in real ways,” said Mayor John Elder. “We recognize the strain this has placed on families, students and small businesses. As a community, we’re focused on supporting one another, helping neighbors regain their footing and ensuring New Hope remains a place where everyone feels safe, connected and supported.”

Public safety is most effective when built on a foundation of trust between residents and local institutions. City officers remain committed to the rule of law and the protection of constitutional rights for all. The coalition expects the same commitment to due process and legal standards from federal agencies. Local law enforcement will continue to focus on specific community needs and deal with the fallout of uncoordinated operations.

The damage caused by this surge – both in financial resources and eroded community trust – requires a unified response. This coalition is actively assessing the total impact on cities to advocate for necessary policy changes as well as relief and recovery funds.

Cities for Safe and Stable Communities formed because the challenges of the past 10 weeks transcend geography and partisanship. The coalition invites other cities across the region that have experienced the tangible costs of the surge to join in this effort. By speaking with a unified voice, coalition cities can ensure that the transition toward recovery respects local jurisdiction and restores the security families, students, and business owners deserve.

Resources

The City of New Hope understands there are questions and concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in New Hope and surrounding communities. We’ve gathered some resources below that you might find helpful.

These resources are for informational purposes only and are not legal advice. The City does not create or update them.

Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota Resources: A list of resources for immigrants in Minnesota.
Know Your Rights with ICE: Explains immigrant rights while interacting with ICE officers.
National Immigrant Justice Center Fact Sheets: A series of fact sheets outlining the rights of immigrants.
Printable "Red Cards" (multiple languages): Red cards outline immigrant rights and give examples of how people can exercise these rights.

Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota: Provides free immigration legal representation to low-income immigrants and refugees in Minnesota and North Dakota.
International Institute of Minnesota: Provides low-cost immigration assistance to refugees and immigrants living in Minnesota.
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid: Advocates for the legal rights of disadvantaged people to have safe, healthy and independent lives in strong communities.
National Immigration Law Center: Establishes and defends the legal rights of all immigrants.
The Advocates for Human Rights: Represents people in the Upper Midwest who are seeking asylum, detained by immigration, unaccompanied children or trafficking victims.

State of Minnesota's Welcome Guide for Newcomers: Provides information on a variety of topics like legal help, food and income support, health care, school enrollment, identification cards, safety and transportation.
Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota General Fact Sheet: Provides an overview of services the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota offers.
Latino Voices of Minnesota: Advocates for the rights and needs of the Latino community.
Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs: State agency that advises the state government on matters of interests to Latinos who live in Minnesota.
State of Minnesota's Refugee and Immigrant Helpline: Connects refugees and immigrants to MN services and programs.
Minnesota Office of Ombudsperson for Families: An independent state agency that promotes fairness in Minnesota’s child welfare system.

The New Hope Police Department is committed to serving our community with dignity and respect. We enforce state and local laws, not federal civil immigration laws, and we do not ask about immigration status or documentation.

If you need help or witness a crime, you can call for assistance without fear. Our officers will respond regardless of background, immigration status or circumstances. Your safety and well-being always come first.
Please call 911 if you see or experience a crime.

OUR POLICE FLEET
The New Hope Police Department uses a variety of vehicles, which is typical for police work. Some of our vehicles are unmarked and are used by administrative staff, investigators and patrol officers. All vehicles have emergency lights and Minnesota license plates.

You may see these vehicles around the community. Please don’t be alarmed or assume they belong to ICE or another federal agency. They are standard New Hope Police Department vehicles serving our community.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Will New Hope Police be notified in advance of ICE or CBP activity?
Typically, ICE and CBP do not provide advance notice to local law enforcement.

Are ICE or CBP required to notify police after an action?
ICE and CBP are not required to report their actions to the City.

If the City hears about ICE or CBP activity, will police be sent to observe?
New Hope police are not routinely dispatched, but will always respond to 911 calls as they normally do. If there are safety concerns, officers may be asked to assist. In those situations, NHPD’s role is to understand what is happening and help ensure everyone’s safety.

Can the City prohibit ICE or CBP from wearing masks?
Federal policy allows ICE officers to wear masks.

Will the New Hope Police Department ask for my immigration status if I call 911?
No. The New Hope Police Department does not ask people about their immigration status. The New Hope Police Department’s primary role is to provide public safety services to all residents, regardless of immigration status.

Does the New Hope Police Department keep a list of undocumented immigrants?
No. The New Hope Police Department does not maintain records that include information about people’s immigration status.

Does the New Hope Police Department check my immigration status during a traffic stop?
No. New Hope Police Officers do not ask for immigration status during traffic stops. Their role is to enforce local and state laws, not federal immigration laws.

How do New Hope Police Officers identify themselves?
New Hope Police Officers will readily identify themselves by name and badge number upon request.

Salt Cure Restaurant Recovery Fund offering emergency grants for local restaurants

Independent restaurants are essential to the vitality of our neighborhoods, and many are struggling to survive in the wake of the federal immigration enforcement surge. The Salt Cure Restaurant Recovery Fund, administered by the Minneapolis Foundation, is offering emergency grants to help keep these businesses open and thriving.

Applications are open now through February 23 for the first grant round. For the initial round, small, independently owned restaurants in the seven-county Twin Cities metro area will be prioritized. The grants will help cover hardships for ongoing restaurant operations and range from $2,500 to $10,000 in the first round.

h ttps://thesaltcurefund.org/apply

Minneapolis Foundation Economic Response Fund
The Minneapolis Foundation’s Economic Response Fund is now accepting grant applications to provide immediate financial support for small businesses facing economic hardship. Backed by Minnesota donors, the fund will distribute $4 million statewide in the coming weeks. Grants can help cover payroll, rent, inventory and operational costs.

Who should apply: Minnesota small businesses significantly affected by the federal immigration enforcement surge.

Minneapolis Foundation’s Economic Response Fund

Other Small Business Relief Funds
A number of relief funds are available for businesses impacted by the federal immigration enforcement surge. Stay updated on opportunities and application details and share with your networks.

Small Business Relief Funds | Elevate Hennepin

Report Your Business Impacts
Small businesses and nonprofits across Minnesota are experiencing major challenges due to the federal immigration enforcement operation. Elevate Hennepin is supporting a metro wide survey by the Lake Street Council to collect data, stories, and perspectives to inform advocacy and response efforts. No personal information is required.

Impact Survey | Visit Lake Street