Police in the Minnesota cities of Moorhead and East Grand Forks are reassuring Somali residents that local officers will not participate in federal immigration operations, following reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has recently targeted Somali immigrants in the Twin Cities area. Both cities have long-standing Somali communities, and local leaders say they want residents to feel protected, not afraid.
Moorhead Police Chief Chris Helmick said his department had not been contacted about any federal operations, nor would they assist with enforcing immigration law even if asked. He explained that local police are responsible for enforcing state and local laws, while immigration enforcement is a separate federal civil process. According to Helmick, the only time Moorhead officers would get involved is if a federal case included a criminal matter directly connected to local law enforcement duties.
Helmick emphasized that community trust is essential, especially for New Americans who may already be nervous about interactions with police. He said he wants Somali residents to know they can safely approach officers, report issues, and seek help without fear of being questioned about their immigration status. “The last thing I want is for anyone in our community, especially members of the Somali community, to believe that Moorhead Police will be involved in immigration enforcement,” he explained. “That is not our job, and it is not something we plan to do.”
He also encouraged residents to take steps to protect themselves from potential impersonators. Helmick advised anyone who feels unsure about an officer at their door to call 911 and request confirmation from a supervisor. He said this is an easy and safe way to ensure the person is legitimate, and noted that real officers welcome verification because it builds trust.
In East Grand Forks, Police Chief Mike Hedlund said city leaders are also paying close attention after hearing about ICE operations in Minnesota. While ICE has been present in the region for years, Hedlund said any future contact or requests from federal authorities would be reviewed case by case, with community safety as the top priority. He highlighted that East Grand Forks has a strong history of being a welcoming environment for diverse groups and that the Somali community has been an important part of the city for many years.
Hedlund said the police department values its relationship with Somali residents and has maintained open communication to address concerns as they arise. He added that the city intends to continue that approach so all residents feel supported and included. “We take their safety seriously,” he said. “We have worked effectively with the Somali community during their time here and expect that to continue well into the future.”
Both Moorhead and East Grand Forks police departments say they stay aware of national ICE activity to ensure their own operations do not unintentionally cause fear. For example, when conducting undercover work, officers consider how their presence or certain tactics might be misinterpreted by immigrants who may be on edge because of federal actions happening elsewhere in the state.
Local leaders say their focus remains on community safety, clear communication, and maintaining trust with all residents. They hope that by speaking openly and directly, Somali families will feel reassured during a time of increased anxiety for immigrant communities across Minnesota.
