At Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, Mayor Andrew Mullin formally entered into the record a city statement clarifying the role of local law enforcement amid ongoing federal immigration enforcement activity across the Twin Cities metro and Minnesota.
“The Wayzata Police Department enforces only Minnesota state law and the City of Wayzata and the City of Long Lake ordinances,” Mullin read. He emphasized that local officers “do not enforce federal immigration law, do not inquire about immigration status, and do not collect that information.”
The statement further noted that enforcement of federal immigration law is conducted exclusively by federal agencies. Wayzata police do not participate in or collaborate with federal agencies on immigration enforcement, are not notified in advance of federal activity, and have no authority to direct, control, or interfere with federal agencies carrying out their lawful duties.
According to the statement, if Wayzata police are called to respond to a disturbance or enforcement activity involving federal agencies, their role is limited to de-escalation and public safety—not immigration enforcement. “The Wayzata Police Department’s primary responsibility is protecting public safety and the well-being of all individuals within the city,” Mullin read.
Mullin continued, “For the record, there have been reports of federal immigration activity in the city of Wayzata for several weeks now. The chief of police, the city manager and I, the mayor have been directly involved in working with impacted stakeholders, including local businesses to address concerns that were brought to our attention.” He also noted that, to date, there have been no magnified issues associated with the federal activity in Wayzata.
Mullin said the decision to release the statement was driven by the ongoing nature of the situation and a desire by city leadership, including the full council, to provide clear guidance on the city’s role and the role of its police department.
Mullin closed his remarks by acknowledging that federal immigration enforcement activity is affecting a broad range of stakeholders in the community. He said city leadership remains available to hear concerns from residents, businesses, and others impacted, both now and going forward, and emphasized that the city will continue to listen as the situation evolves. He added that, if appropriate, the city is prepared to adjust its approach and communication to respond to changing circumstances.
