Minneapolis and St. Paul leaders grapple with eviction crisis

Rental support and extended eviction timelines proposed to aid immigrant families impacted by Operation Metro Surge

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Across the Twin Cities, residents and leaders are calling for rental support for thousands of immigrant families facing eviction due to the impact of Operation Metro Surge, a federal immigration enforcement action. Minneapolis has passed an ordinance extending the eviction timeline from 30 to 60 days, while a similar measure is under consideration in St. Paul. However, there are concerns that the extensions could actually increase the risk of eviction, and officials say significant state-level rental assistance is needed to truly address the crisis.

Why it matters

The eviction crisis in the Twin Cities highlights the challenges faced by immigrant communities impacted by heightened federal immigration enforcement. While local leaders are attempting to provide relief, there are concerns that their proposed solutions may have unintended consequences, underscoring the need for a more comprehensive, state-level response.

The details

Minneapolis has passed an ordinance extending the eviction timeline from 30 to 60 days, while a similar measure is under consideration in St. Paul. Proponents argue this will give families more time to catch up on rent, but critics say it could actually increase the risk of eviction by allowing residents to fall further behind. Officials at affordable housing nonprofits have expressed concerns about the impact on their own budgets, as they rely on rent payments to maintain buildings and operations. Researchers estimate that Minnesota needs around $22 million in monthly emergency rental assistance to address the crisis, far exceeding the millions in aid already allocated by local governments.

  • In early February, Minneapolis put more than a million dollars toward Hennepin County's estimated $9.6 million in emergency rent relief.
  • On Feb. 26, St. Paul redirected $1.42 million into emergency rental assistance.
  • A $50 million state bill for emergency rental assistance was voted down in a House committee earlier this month.
  • The Minneapolis City Council passed the 60-day eviction ordinance on March 5, 2026.
  • The St. Paul City Council is expected to vote on a similar measure on March 18, 2026.

The players

Jacob Frey

The mayor of Minneapolis, who has until March 12 to decide whether to veto the city's 60-day eviction ordinance.

Jason Chavez

A Minneapolis City Council member who said an extension to the eviction process through Aug. 31 would be 'the bare minimum.'

Robin Wonsley

The Minneapolis City Council member who was the primary author of the 60-day eviction ordinance.

Laura Russ

The chief real estate officer at Aeon, a Minnesota nonprofit that owns 5,885 homes across the state.

Eric Hauge

The co-executive director of HomeLine, a Minnesota tenant advocacy organization that supports the eviction timeline extension.

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What they’re saying

“There's a lot of unanimity about this ICE surge having a dramatic impact on renters, but that impact shouldn't force a 'misguided policy'.”

— Laura Russ, Chief real estate officer, Aeon

“I'm very surprised that there is so much hesitancy to move on this.”

— Robin Wonsley, Minneapolis City Council member

“In the last quarter alone we have received more financial assistance calls than in any quarter during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

— Eric Hauge, Co-executive director, HomeLine

What’s next

The Minneapolis mayor has until March 12 to decide whether to veto the city's 60-day eviction ordinance. A similar measure is expected to be voted on by the St. Paul City Council on March 18.

The takeaway

The eviction crisis in the Twin Cities highlights the need for a comprehensive, state-level response to provide emergency rental assistance and address the underlying shortage of affordable housing. While local leaders are attempting to offer relief, their proposed solutions face concerns about unintended consequences, underscoring the complexity of this challenge.