St. Paul, Minn. — A group of Minnesota mayors has announced the formation of a new coalition, Cities for Safe and Stable Communities (MN), aimed at pushing back against what they describe as harmful federal enforcement tactics and advocating for public safety that prioritizes constitutional rights over partisanship.
The coalition, which includes mayors from more than a dozen cities across the Twin Cities metro area, says the launch was prompted by the impacts of Operation Metro Surge, a federal enforcement initiative they argue has destabilized communities, strained local resources, and eroded trust between residents and government institutions.
In a joint statement, the mayors emphasized their responsibility as local leaders, noting that they are directly accountable for the wellbeing of schools, hospitals, small businesses, and neighborhoods in their cities. They contend that current enforcement approaches are violating constitutional protections and inflicting harm on families, including children.
“This is not just a Minneapolis issue,” the coalition said, warning that the effects of the operation are being felt statewide. According to the mayors, cities are facing workforce disruptions, small business closures, housing insecurity, and economic instability at a time when many communities are still recovering from broader economic uncertainty.
The coalition highlighted the human toll of the enforcement surge, citing cases in which children as young as five years old were detained, leaving classmates, teachers, and school officials struggling to cope with their absence.
Beyond the immediate humanitarian concerns, the mayors said the operation is undermining public safety by damaging trust between residents and local law enforcement. They warned that fear of interacting with authorities has discouraged some residents from calling 911 or accessing city services, a situation they say ultimately puts entire communities at risk.
The coalition is calling on federal and state elected officials to immediately de-escalate the operation, formally acknowledge the economic harm to cities, and consider potential relief funding for affected municipalities in 2026. As additional communities join the effort, the group plans to assess the full scope of the damage and outline steps to restore local institutions.
Despite their criticism, the mayors expressed confidence in Minnesota’s resilience, emphasizing that local communities will play a central role in rebuilding trust and stability. They invited leaders from suburban and Greater Minnesota communities to join the coalition, pledging to work toward solutions that uphold public safety while honoring constitutional rights.
The undersigned cities include Bloomington, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Columbia Heights, Eden Prairie, Edina, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Maplewood, Minnetonka, Richfield, and St. Louis Park.
