Anoka Police Clarify Role in Immigration Enforcement With Public Information Guide

In response to heightened public concern and widespread questions about the presence and authority of federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota communities, the Anoka Police Department has released an official public information flyer titled “What You Need to Know: Immigration Enforcement in the City of Anoka.”

The document serves as a plain-language guide for residents, outlining what local police officers can and cannot do under the law, how the department interacts with federal agencies, and what resources are available to the public. Department officials describe the flyer as part of an effort to promote transparency, maintain public trust, and ensure residents understand their rights and local law enforcement’s legal responsibilities.

A Clear Line Between Local Policing and Federal Immigration Enforcement

At the center of the flyer is a firm clarification: the Anoka Police Department enforces state and local laws only. Immigration enforcement, which is governed by federal civil law, falls outside the department’s authority.

The flyer emphasizes that the department’s legal obligation is to protect public safety for all residents, regardless of immigration status. In doing so, it draws a clear distinction between local policing functions and federal immigration operations carried out by agencies such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

To remove ambiguity, the document explicitly outlines what Anoka police officers do not do.

What Anoka Police Do Not Do

According to the flyer, Anoka police officers do not:

• Ask individuals about their immigration status during routine interactions
• Enforce civil immigration laws
• Arrest or detain individuals solely based on immigration status
• Conceal their identity while on duty

These restrictions reflect long-standing legal boundaries between municipal law enforcement agencies and federal immigration authorities, and are consistent with Minnesota policing standards and constitutional protections.

What Anoka Police Will Do

The flyer also outlines affirmative commitments the department makes to the community.

Anoka police officers will:

• Remain clearly identifiable, either in uniform or with visible department markings such as squad cars, jackets, or vests
• Respond to calls from residents who are concerned about the legitimacy of individuals claiming to be law enforcement officers
• Assist with traffic control or scene safety during limited federal operations when necessary to maintain public safety and de-escalate situations

The department notes that any involvement during federal activity is narrowly focused on safety, not enforcement of immigration law.

Legal Boundaries During Federal Operations

The flyer addresses a common source of confusion: why local police may be present during federal enforcement actions even though they do not participate in immigration enforcement.

Under federal law, local officers are prohibited from interfering with federal agents performing official duties. The document cites 18 U.S.C. § 1501, which makes obstruction of federal officers a federal offense.

At the same time, the Anoka Police Department states that its officers do not have the authority to determine whether a federal arrest or search warrant is valid. That responsibility lies exclusively within the federal judicial system.

In short, the flyer explains that non-interference is a legal obligation, not an endorsement or expansion of authority.

How Residents Can Seek Help or Report Concerns

The guide provides clear contact information for residents who need assistance or wish to report a concern.

• Emergency situations: Call 911
• Non-emergency police reports: Call 763-427-1212
• In person: Visit the Anoka Police Department Public Safety Center at 275 Harrison Street, Anoka, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The department encourages residents to contact police if they feel unsafe, witness a crime, or have questions about suspicious activity.

Additional Resources for Federal Matters

Recognizing that local police cannot resolve federal immigration issues, the flyer also directs residents to appropriate state and federal resources.

These include:

• The ICE Online Detainee Locator System, used to determine whether an individual is in ICE custody
• The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office, which provides a “Know Your Rights” guide related to ICE encounters
• The Federal Bureau of Investigation Minneapolis Field Office, for concerns involving federal personnel

The document also lists complaint channels through the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General for allegations involving federal agents.

A Public Safety Message Grounded in Transparency

Throughout the flyer, the Anoka Police Department reiterates its commitment to professionalism, dignity, and respect, and to maintaining trust with the City of Anoka community.

Rather than advancing policy arguments or political positions, the document focuses on what the law requires, what residents can expect from local officers, and where responsibility shifts to federal authorities. In doing so, it functions less as a press statement and more as a civic explainer, aimed at reducing fear, misinformation, and uncertainty during a tense moment for many families.

The flyer, along with a statement from the Anoka Police Chief, is available on the city’s official website.

Download: What You Need to Know: Immigration Enforcement in the City of Anoka

MinneapoliMedia