Apple Valley council adopts resolution addressing impacts of Operation Metro Surge

The Apple Valley City Council on March 12 adopted a resolution addressing the local impacts of Operation Metro Surge, saying the city experienced community fear, strain on public-safety operations and economic harm to local businesses.

Staff member Tom (reading the resolution) told the council the measure consolidates statements the city has already posted and sent, and asks the Minnesota Legislature and U.S. Congress to consider measures and reforms consistent with constitutional protections. “What we have tonight is a resolution that will help us address and identify some concerns that we have certainly lived through through the month of January and February,” Tom said.

The resolution’s text — read in full at the meeting — affirms that infringements on civil liberties based on immigration status, race, ethnicity, religion or national origin undermine public trust and public safety; it thanks local nonprofits for aid provided to residents and expresses appreciation for the Apple Valley Police Department’s service. The resolution also requests that the Minnesota Legislature and the U.S. Congress address financial harms and immigration enforcement consistent with constitutional protections.

Several council members framed the vote as an act of civic statement rather than a new regulatory power. “This breaks no new ground tonight,” the presiding official said, adding the resolution pulls previous statements into a single, easier-to-find location on the city website.

Other council members urged balance between symbolism and substantive action. One member said the city had received constituent feedback on both sides and recommended caution about entering a political fray while another called for pursuing federal policy changes that would provide a path to citizenship. Council discussion also highlighted limits on local authority and cautioned against ordinances that the city could not enforce.

During public comment, resident Deborah Manky urged the council to allow residents to request public forums and questioned a regional coalition that had asked cities to pay “north of $5,000” to join; she said citizens should understand where coalition funds go and whether cities receive a role in decisions. A resident organizer invited city leaders to a community healing event, “Coming Together After ICE,” scheduled for April 13 at Falcon Ridge Middle School to allow neighbors to share experiences and access resources.

The council approved the resolution by voice vote. The meeting record shows the council will distribute the resolution to appropriate parties and continue local outreach and coordination with nonprofits and public-safety officials.

What’s next: The resolution directs staff to distribute the adopted language to relevant state and federal officials and to continue posting consolidated statements on the city website.