Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said Wednesday that his department will not assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with enforcement operations in the city, citing legal restrictions and a shortage of officers needed to respond to local crime.
O’Hara made his remarks during an appearance on CNN’s Laura Coates Live, where he was asked about criticism from those who argue that local cooperation with ICE could help target dangerous offenders.
Coates asked O’Hara, “[Y]ou have said that your department is not going to help ICE carry out any raids. Now, critics, they argue that the raids will target dangerous criminals and that police protection could really save lives. But why do you stand firm in not assisting?”
O’Hara responded that both legal limits and operational demands prevent his department from supporting ICE.
“Well, for one, it’s against the law here in this city,” he said.
“But, two, on a more basic level, it’s my mission to deal with crime and violence. The immigration authorities do not respond to domestic violence. They do not respond to shootings and robberies. And I do not have enough cops to deal with the actual crime that’s happening in our community.”
He added that assisting with federal immigration operations would divert personnel from critical public safety responsibilities.
“So, it’s not our job,” O’Hara said.
“They’re not going to do our job for us.”
O’Hara also expressed concern about how immigration enforcement activity affects residents’ willingness to report crimes or seek help.
“And, just, frankly, I think the effect on the community, the way this stuff is being carried out, is making people terrified,” he said.
“It’s — I’m concerned that people who may need help are going to be afraid to call 911.”
The chief’s comments come amid ongoing debate over the role of local law enforcement in federal immigration enforcement.
Minneapolis, like several cities in Minnesota, has laws restricting cooperation with ICE, and officials have cited both constitutional and practical considerations in maintaining those policies.
O’Hara’s remarks add to the broader national discussion over how local police departments prioritize staffing and allocate resources while balancing federal requests for assistance.
He emphasized that his department’s primary responsibility is responding to crimes within the city and that current staffing levels do not allow for additional duties.
