Duluth City Council to Vote on ICE Law Enforcement Resolution

Proposed resolution aims to clarify city's relationship with federal government on civil immigration enforcement.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The Duluth City Council is set to vote on several resolutions at their upcoming meeting, including a measure that would address the city's relationship with federal immigration enforcement. Councilors and residents have expressed concerns about law enforcement and immigration, and the proposed resolution seeks to engage with community groups to establish guidelines for police engagement.

Why it matters

This resolution reflects ongoing debates around the role of local law enforcement in federal immigration matters. The outcome could impact how Duluth police interact with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and influence the city's approach to balancing public safety with immigrant community concerns.

The details

The proposed resolution, brought forward by Councilors Durrwachter and Clanaugh, aims to clarify Duluth's relationship with the federal government regarding civil immigration law enforcement. City Administrator Matt Staehling has suggested engaging with community groups like the Citizens Review Board, Human Rights Commission, and interfaith organizations to have collaborative discussions and establish guidelines for police engagement.

  • The Duluth City Council is set to vote on the resolutions during their scheduled meeting on Monday.

The players

Matt Staehling

Duluth City Administrator who discussed concerns about law enforcement and immigration with residents.

Councilors Durrwachter and Clanaugh

Duluth City Council members who brought forward the proposed resolution on ICE law enforcement.

One Duluth resident

A resident who expressed concerns about the city's relationship with ICE and called for a formal resolution to hold the city accountable.

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What they’re saying

“I propose that we engage with our Citizens Review Board, Human Rights Commission, Interfaith Groups and other stakeholder groups. So we can engage in a series of good faith collaborative discussions to lay the foundation for community police engagement.”

— Matt Staehling, Duluth City Administrator (wdio.com)

“If DPD truly does not assist in or intend to assist in immigration enforcement, you should have absolutely no problem passing a formal resolution that codifies that policy so we can hold the city accountable. I don't mean saying they will never, ever, ever, ever work with ICE.”

— One Duluth resident (wdio.com)

What’s next

The Duluth City Council will address the proposed ICE law enforcement resolution, along with other items on the agenda, during their scheduled meeting on Monday.

The takeaway

This resolution reflects the ongoing debate around the role of local law enforcement in federal immigration matters. The outcome could impact how Duluth police interact with ICE and the city's approach to balancing public safety with immigrant community concerns.