Saint Paul's Separation Ordinance bars city employees and police from inquiring about immigration status or assisting federal civil immigration enforcement except where required by state or federal law.
Saint Paul has long operated under a separation policy, originally adopted in 2004 and reinforced by city council resolution and Saint Paul Police Department General Order. The policy prohibits city personnel from asking about immigration status during routine service delivery, prevents SPPD from honoring civil ICE detainers without a judicial warrant, and bars use of city resources for federal civil immigration enforcement. Criminal warrants and information sharing required by state law (Minn. Stat. Section 13) are honored. Saint Paul Public Schools and Ramsey County also maintain parallel separation policies. The ordinance aims to encourage crime reporting and service access by immigrant residents.
City employees who violate the policy face disciplinary action under civil-service rules. Residents alleging violations may file complaints with the Saint Paul Department of Human Rights or city attorney.
See how Saint Paul's sanctuary policy preemption rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.