Minnesota mayors push for state funding to undo ICE surge damage

Minnesota mayors seeking financial help after Operation Metro Surge

About 20 Minnesota mayors were at the State Capitol Thursday, making their push for state funding to help undo some damage done as a result of Operation Metro Surge in their cities. FOX 9's Corin Hoggard has the story.

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Mayors from around 20 cities in Minnesota are urging the state for financial assistance to address budget challenges worsened by Operation Metro Surge.

Mayors seek state aid

What we know:

Mayors from mostly suburban areas are concerned about budget deficits caused by decreased revenue and increased spending. They have been supporting struggling businesses and maintaining public safety amid the financial strain.

Minnesota mayors detail ICE surge impacts, recovery plan

Minnesota's Cities for Safe and Stable Communities Coalition announces its recovery plans and 2026 legislative agenda after Operation Metro Surge. Speakers, including the mayors of Hopkins, Brooklyn Center, Golden Valley, and Eden Prairie, discussed how their communities are responding to the effects of the federal enforcement operation. 

Patrick Hanlon, the mayor of Hopkins, highlighted the struggles in his city, with construction projects stalled and non-profits overwhelmed.

"We have many construction workers in my city leaving the state with construction projects left idle, rents that will go unpaid for mortgages that can't be held, and non-profits that are over capacity right now," said Hanlon.

Budget pressures and state response

What they're saying:

Brooklyn Park Mayor Hollis Winston expressed concerns about unsustainable spending on public safety. 

"It has forced cities to spend unsustainably on overtime and other key public safety services. Within our city of Brooklyn Park, we've accrued close to 250 hours of overtime just this year within our police department alone," said Winston.

Eden Prairie Mayor Ron Case emphasized the need for state aid.

"We don't have the resources to go it alone. We'll need state aid in order to continue the work that we were elected to do," said Case.

What we don't know:

The exact cost of Operation Metro Surge for these cities remains uncertain, though officials expect it to be significant.