Walz Creates Council to Document Fallout From ICE and Border Patrol Operations in Minnesota

Overview

• The governor, who signed an executive order Wednesday, set up a council to record the impacts of Operation Metro Surge and Operation PARRIS, which ran from early December to mid-February and at peak involved roughly 3,000 agents across the state.
• The council will collect public testimony on civil rights abuses, reported use of chemical munitions, and effects on immigrants, children, schools, and businesses, along with accounts of community support and peaceful protests.
• The body will include up to 15 members, partner with The Advocates for Human Rights, hold at least four public meetings, and deliver findings to the Minnesota Legislature and the state’s congressional delegation by year’s end.
• The order gives the council no law enforcement role and directs it to avoid the shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti and the wounding of Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, which officials say remain part of ongoing probes.
• Separate from the council, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison have opened evidence portals and are suing the federal government to obtain records tied to the shootings.