Willmar City Council approves letter to state and federal officials seeking information after local federal detentions

The Willmar City Council on Jan. 28 amended and approved a staff‑draft letter asking state and federal officials for greater information sharing after federal arrests or detentions in the city.

Councilmember Tom proposed an amendment to the draft to require that "at a minimum, after any federal arrest, detention, or detainment in our community for any length of time" federal agencies provide local law enforcement with timely basic information including the detainee’s full legal name, country of origin, transport location and the stated basis for the detention. The council treated changes to recipients and the content as a single amendment; it passed on roll call, 6-0.

Council discussion also addressed recipients. The amendment added executive recipients the mover suggested, and members requested that final copies include signature lines so all council members who wish may sign the letter. City Clerk A. Larson confirmed staff will finalize the letter and add signature lines if members request them.

The council then approved the final letter, as amended, by roll call vote, 6-0. The council did not specify a publication timeline for the letter during the meeting.

The matter was presented during regular business; the council made no formal referral for further study and did not attach additional directives to staff beyond finalizing the letter text and recipient list.