Ramsey County has not reduced or suspended any of its services due to the presence of federal agents in the Twin Cities, but impacts are being felt, officials said at a county board meeting Tuesday.
“However, over the past week, in some areas, federal immigration enforcement has affected our department’s ability to deliver in-person services, on-site services, and impacted residents coming in to get services,” Ramsey County Manager Ling Becker said.
That includes culturally specific events hosted by Parks and Recreation that have been canceled or seen reduced attendance, which will result in revenue reduction for the county, Becker said.
VA office relocated
Another impact is the temporary closure of the St. Paul Veterans Affairs Regional Benefit Office, which is located in the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building at Fort Snelling. The building, which has been militarized with concrete barriers and chain-link fencing, is currently being used as an ICE field office covering several Midwestern states. It has been the location of protests in recent days.
Staff at the St. Paul VA office are currently available at the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis and virtually, according to the St. Paul Veterans Affairs Regional Benefit Office website.
County staff have also noted increased fear and hesitancy to access services among county residents and impacts on partner organizations, Becker said.
“Call centers and 911 have received an increase in calls of upset community members,” Becker said.
There have been cases of families avoiding going out for basic needs, she said.
“Some have canceled or rescheduled appointments within public health programs such as WIC, family home visiting, family health, early childhood, family education, and we are relying more on virtual services,” she said. “Housing and food security concerns are increasing in our community, especially based on my previous update with folks being more hesitant to apply for SNAP benefits.”
County policy states that immigration enforcement will not be permitted in private county spaces without a valid judicial warrant.
Officials are working closely with the county sheriff’s office and the county attorney’s office to maintain coordinated efforts to support the community, Becker said. County staff also have received ongoing training on what to do if immigration enforcement officers are in county spaces and are provided contact information for legal counsel with the county to assist in interpreting a judicial warrant.
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