Why are Brooklyn Center officers present?
If officers are present, it is for public safety purposes only, such as maintaining peace, managing traffic, or responding to emergencies.
Will Brooklyn Center officers ask about immigration status?
No. Brooklyn Center officers do not ask about immigration status during routine calls for service.
Should residents still call 911?
Yes. Everyone should call 911 if they need help or are in danger.
How should community members stay informed?
Please rely on official city updates and verified sources.
Is Brooklyn Center a sanctuary city?
While there is no statutory definition for a “sanctuary city,” the term refers to cities that generally limit their cooperation with federal immigration officials by adopting ordinances or policies that limit the use of city resources available to aid immigration officials in investigating federal immigration violations. The City of Brooklyn Center is not officially recognized as a sanctuary city however, the Brooklyn Center Police Department is focused on enforcing Minnesota state criminal statutes and laws. Enforcing civil immigration laws is the responsibility of the federal government.
If the Brooklyn Center Police Department knows a person is undocumented, do they share this information to ICE or other federal agencies?
Does BCPD participate in raids to take undocumented residents from their homes, schools, work, or other public spaces into custody?
If ICE or other federal agencies identify an undocumented person in the city, does BCPD detain and hold that person until federal agents arrive?
No. Courts have determined ICE detainers are unconstitutional and that arresting based on immigration status exceeds arrest authority. BCPD will not detain people based solely on a request from another agency based on the agency's information regarding immigration status; there must be a criminal element.
If a person knows of an undocumented individual in the city and calls BCPD, will they detain the person and contact ICE or other federal agencies?
No; BCPD only intervenes in serious incidents that can lead to arrest for a criminal incident. In most cases, being undocumented is a civil issue, not a criminal issue.
Civil violation example: A person who has overstayed their visa or failed to maintain their updated Green Card status.
BCPD does not have access to information regarding visa authorizations.
Criminal violation example: An individual who was undocumented, deported through ICE, and re-entered the country after deportation.
BCPD would only get involved in this individuals actions if there were probably cause that they committed a criminal act or had an arrest warrant issued by a judge for them. NOTE: “ICE Detainers” are significantly different than a judicially issued arrest warrant.
How do I access immigration resources in Brooklyn Center?
- American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): Provides resources for documenting and reporting interactions. Visit https://www.aclu.org.
- National Immigration Law Center (NILC): Offers guidance on legal rights and where to file reports. Visit https://www.nilc.org.
- Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC): Offers detailed information about immigrant rights. Visit https://www.ilrc.org.
Legal Support:
- Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC): A local organization that can provide guidance and support during proceedings. Visit https://www.miracmn.com/
- Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM): Offers free or low-cost legal services. Visit https://www.ilcm.org.
Additional Community Resources
- Local Churches:
- True Vine Baptist Church: Offers immigrant and family support programs. Call 763-555-1234.
- Brooklyn United Methodist Church: Provides food, shelter, and legal resource referrals. Visit https://www.brooklynumc.org.
- Employment Resources:
- Immigration-Specific Contacts:
