To the Editor:

Since Operation Metro Surge began, Minnesotans have regularly seen local law enforcement use their resources to provide security for federal agents against their own peaceful residents. The Hennepin County Sheriff ’s Office has functioned as an extension of the federal government at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, continuously relieving U.S.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of security duties.

On Feb. 9 of this year, the St. Louis Park Police Department coordinated with neighboring departments from Hopkins and Minnetonka to create a perimeter in the Knollwood Kohl’s parking lot, barring nonviolent residents from approaching federal agents and documenting them from a reasonable distance. Some St. Louis Park officials have framed discussion of the incident around an inappropriate comment made by one of dozens of upset residents.

A common defense of these practices has been in the name of “de-escalation”, as the lack of property damage and immediate visible violence is touted as a success. While that standard may apply for other situations, it doesn’t hold up in context. Federal detainees have been subjected to horrific situations including unsanitary detention centers with no medical care, torturous facilities in countries they’ve never been to, unsafe conditions in their country of origin, and, in many cases, death in ICE custody.

These are subjects that get comparatively little attention, while observer documentation of agents in the street forced the issue into the spotlight. Local departments are often restricting this documentation to “protect” residents who choose to be present, making it easier for ICE to carry out their inhumane agenda quietly against those who have no choice in the matter.

Elected officials have asked that we direct our attention to the federal government, which we have little power to influence. Where we do have power is in removing the ways we assist the federal government’s agenda. Call on local officials to restrict how your police department can be wielded against their communities.

Call on your county commissioner to condition the Sheriff Department’s budget on ceasing assistance to hostile federal agencies. Our government must act to ensure that our officers are working in service of their residents so we are prepared for whatever comes next.

Thomas Hines
St. Louis Park

Published in the St. Louis Park + Hopkins Sun Sailor on June 11, 2026