Budget sparks, ICE ordinance rewrite, and the final days of the 2025 city council

Did you know the city council basically cannot ensure that allocated money is spent on the thing for which it was allocated? The city council ended 2025 with a flurry of action, often revealing a power struggle between the lines. We got into quite an interesting dive into city structure and the division of power by way of talking budget.

We start with the continued federal campaign of aggression against our immigrant neighbors and the now-rewritten immigration separation ordinance. The budget passed with last minute negotiations amidst pointed gestures. And a humane homeless encampament response ordinance was passed and vetoed.

Oh, and Robin calls for the city clerk to lose his job.

Recorded 12/17/25.

Alert

MN is under threat from federal agents right now. Mill City Hall asks you to plug in and take action:

• Defend 612 is a new entry-point to local neighborhood organizing
• Monarca continues to provide trainings for regular folks who want to help, and offers a hotline to report ICE activity: 612-441-2881
• Donate to UNIDOS which is providing crucial financial support to these efforts

Don't forget to check out:

• Our Instagram account for clips that are easy to browse and share
• Cam's writings in the 2nd Ward Blog
• Art Shanty projects coming up in Jan/Feb featuring a project by Robin and Jesse

Immigration Separation Ordinance

• We talked a bit about a 12/15 abudction by federal officers.
  • The audio of a 911 call made by the feds is included in the MPR article by Jon Collins that covers the incident.
  • CM Chavez asks, "Why did MPD assist in kidnapping our neighbors with controlling the space?"
• Links to the rewritten immigration separation ordinance:
  • PDF of the revised ordinance
  • Official LIMS record
  • Public hearing on the ordinance that Jesse attended
• Related City Council resolutions
  • Urging respect for separation ordinance be part of MPD discipline matrix
  • Urging consequences for officers re: cases of kidnapping; impersonating a police officer

2026 Budget Passage

• Coverage of the final compromise and negotiations
  • Star Tribune
  • KSTP, including Mayor Frey letter of protest/boundary-setting
• Audio of CM Wonsley was posted by Wedge LIVE! from the city feed
• Initial passage and lead-up
  • MinnPost overview
  • Frey op-ed whining about proposed cuts to his staff
    • Mayoral budget increased by $1 million (57%) from 2014 to 2024
• Police Dept Overspent Budget by $20 million

Humane Homeless Encampment Response Ordinance

• The ordinance itself
  • LIMS page
  • Text of ordinance
• Coverage
  • MPR
  • Star Tribune