Plymouth Mayor Jeff Wosje has joined city leaders from 12 other Twin Cities suburbs who recently formed a coalition in response to ongoing federal immigration enforcement activity that calls for immediate de-escalation and acknowledgement of local community impacts. 

Known as Cities for Safe and Stable Communities, the coalition was formed by local mayors in the wake of Operation Metro Surge, the federal immigration enforcement operation underway in Minnesota. The coalition seeks to restore a sense of normalcy to Minnesota, helping families feel more secure in their communities and allowing local law enforcement to focus on community-specific needs. 

“Plymouth’s city manager, police chief and I have held meetings with numerous community groups pertaining to immigration enforcement,” said Wosje, “including school districts, nonprofits, cultural and ethnic groups, community organizations, residential groups, and places of worship. These meetings have allowed us to address concerns, talk about best practices and reassure community members of the role of local law enforcement – to keep everyone in Plymouth safe, regardless of their immigration status.” 

“Quality of life starts with feeling safe in your community,” added Wosje. “We are joining Safe and Stable Communities to carry on that work of keeping all of our residents safe.” 

About the coalition: Cities for Safe and Stable Communities 

A coalition of mayors announces the formation of Cities for Safe and Stable Communities (MN). We are a grassroots, local government-led coalition dedicated to restoring stability and trust in government. While our cities have faced challenges for some time, Operation Metro Surge has created an urgent need for a unified local voice.  

As mayors, we know the names and faces in our cities. We are held accountable for the wellbeing of our schools, hospitals, and local businesses, and for upholding the rule of law for our residents. Current enforcement tactics are violating constitutional protections and actively harming the families we swore to serve.  

This surge is not just a "Minneapolis issue;" the fallout is felt across the state. This operation strains city resources, disrupts local economies, and tears at community cohesion. This is unsustainable, especially in light of the economic uncertainty of the past year. From small business closures and workforce instability to housing insecurity, the damage weakens Minnesota’s entire economic engine. 

This approach undermines true public safety. When residents are too afraid to call 911 or access city services, everyone is less safe. Residents should be able to interact with our cities without fear. We need a return to order that stops pulling officers away from essential needs to focus on their true mission: protecting our neighborhoods.  

Our coalition is asking federal and state elected officials for immediate de-escalation and acknowledgement of economic harms, including potential 2026 relief funds to cities. As more communities join, we will assess the damages done and determine how we restore Minnesota institutions in the wake of these unprecedented setbacks.  

We believe in Minnesota’s resilience. While federal agencies must answer for this damage, we know Minnesotans are the ones who will build back. We invite leaders – from the suburbs to Greater Minnesota – to join us. Together, we can chart a path that values safety, honors constitutional rights, and restores the peace our communities deserve. A future where cities can do their jobs and Minnesotans can feel secure in their communities.