Committee asks for review of MPD'federal collaborations and reimbursements amid deputization concerns

On May 13, the committee considered a legislative directive (authored by Chair Jason Chavez, Vice Chair Stevenson and Council President Payne) requesting an inquiry into the Minneapolis Police Department's participation on a Homeland Security Task Force and other federal agreements that had not been presented to council.

The directive followed public-record reporting that MPD officers had participated on a task force where the FBI would pay overtime for officers working on matters defined as crimes against the United States. The directive requests information about reimbursements, what activities were covered, and what controls and protocols are in place to preserve city authority and civil-rights protections when local officers are operating with or alongside federal agents.

Councilmembers pressed department and legal staff on transparency and accountability: Vice Chair Stevenson asked for clarity on body-camera and data-sharing policies when officers operate on federal task forces, referencing past incidents where lack of on-scene recordings complicated oversight. Councilmember Wonsley asked for a staff memo to complement the directive, citing concerns about the city's separation ordinance and specific events on June 3, 2025 where federal agents were involved in large operations. Chair Chavez said he is coordinating with the City Attorney to align timing with the next semiannual ELEFA report to provide the public and council with relevant implementation information before a final vote on related nominations.

The committee moved the legislative directive and forwarded it to the full council for further action.