As a city, we can often limit our focus to our own community. Our leaders are local, making decisions specifically for Monticello. Recently, decisions made outside of our local control have explicitly impacted our community.
Though the City of Monticello was not notified by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of their presence here, we have confirmed ICE activity in and near Monticello. We also recognize the legitimate concerns and feelings these operations raise and how they impact our residents and members of our business community.
During this unprecedented situation, we’re doing our best to stay accurately informed so we can adapt as needed. We are not involved in any federal immigration operations. Under federal law, immigration is handled exclusively by federal agencies. In addition, it’s important to understand the legal limits of municipal government: the City cannot ban, control, or restrict federal operations.
We remain committed to supporting our community using the means available to us. We will continue to:
- Connect with and listen to community members about their concerns, offering assistance when possible.
- Ensure compliance with all data privacy laws.
- Monitor developments and consider any authority we might have on behalf of our community.
We encourage residents to continue to show care, compassion, and kindness to each other. Monticello is a wonderful place to build a life, and our town’s unique strength comes from its people. It’s the people who make it a community and that will remain our focus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is ICE obliged to inform the City of operations and activity in Monticello?
A: No, they are not obligated to report to or notify local government.
Q: Is the City obligated to share private or non-public information about its residents?
A: The City will follow all data privacy act rules, including not sharing any private or non-public information.
Q: Can the city limit access to public spaces for ICE operations?
A: No, the City is unable to limit access to public areas for federal activity.
Q: Can the City Council prohibit ICE or CBP from wearing masks that obscure their faces and agency names?
A: No. Federal policy allows the officers to wear masks.
Q: What do I do if I observe a DHS employee acting improperly?
A: If you believe a DHS employee has acted improperly, complaints can be submitted directly to the DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG). You may file a report online through the DHS OIG hotline complaint form at https://hotline.oig.dhs.gov/#step-1.
Q: What outside resources are available for those who need it?
A:
- Minnesota Attorney General Press Release: Attorney General Ellison launches reporting form on website asking Minnesotans to share impacts of federal actions (January 15, 2026)
- Immigrant Law Center of MN
- Minnesota Immigration Services Hub
- Law Help MN
- Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid
- The Advocates for Human Rights’ Agency and Attorney referral list