Willmar City Council Hears From Residents on ICE Concerns

(Learfield News/KWLM/Willmar, MN) — Residents told the Willmar City Council on Tuesday night that they fear and resent Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in the city, saying people are being stopped because of the color of their skin, despite the agency’s stated focus on criminal offenders.

Mayor Doug Reese addressed the audience before the open forum began. “Every time we have faced challenges, we have used those moments to move forward and grow and learn from those experiences.

I trust that once again we will find common ground in unity.” Reese acknowledged ICE’s mission and said residents have a right to protest peacefully if they choose, but urged them not to interfere with federal operations or put themselves at risk of injury.

No residents spoke in support of ICE during Tuesday’s forum.