City Council Listening Session - February 23, 2026

The City Council Listening Session in Bloomington, Minnesota, focused heavily on community concerns regarding immigration enforcement, particularly the presence and tactics of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) in the city. Residents expressed fear and distrust towards federal immigration actions, citing impacts on legal residents and immigrant communities, and called for the city to take stronger stances such as banning DHS from purchasing detention facilities within city limits, extending eviction moratoriums, and enacting laws against law enforcement mask usage to increase transparency. The discussion also touched on the economic and human costs of ICE operations locally, with calls for the city to support those harmed economically. While some council members acknowledged these concerns and ongoing efforts, there was frustration expressed over perceived inaction or insufficient measures by city leadership. The session highlighted the community's demand for visible, concrete actions to protect immigrant residents and restore trust in public institutions, alongside discussions about funding for housing and rental assistance to support vulnerable populations.