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A coalition of 12 mayors in Twin Cities suburbs are banding together to support each other and ask for economic support amid federal immigration activity. More cities are expected to join. 

It’s called the Cities for Safe and Stable Communities and so far includes the cities of Bloomington, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Columbia Heights, Eden Prairie, Edina, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Maplewood, Minnetonka, Richfield and St. Louis Park. It began with a few mayors getting together in December. 

“It’s not just a Minneapolis issue,” said St. Louis Park Mayor Nadia Mohamed. “It's happening all over Minnesota, and so we want to be part of that narrative where we're saying, ‘Our safety matters.’”

Mohamed said that in St. Louis Park, ICE agents were near one of the city’s elementary schools. And speaking personally, the Somali American mayor said her mother is afraid to leave her home, even though she’s a U.S. citizen. 

In a statement, the mayors called out enforcement tactics for violating the Constitution and say it’s harmed trust with local law enforcement. In addition, the coalition worries about the economic fallout. 

“From small business closures and workforce instability to housing insecurity, the damage weakens Minnesota’s entire economic engine,” the statement said. 

The coalition is looking at economic relief options. When asked if there would be an ask to the state Legislature, Mohamed said the coalition is still working out their options. 

— Minnesota Now guest host Kelly Gordon and producer Aleesa Kuznetsov

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The Cities for Safe and Stable Communities coalition’s goal is to restore stability and trust in local governance. 

Live, down to earth, unscripted interviews that aim to connect, inform and entertain. Real people share real stories with Nina Moini. It’s journalism that doesn’t take itself too seriously and puts people first.

At least 12 Twin Cities suburbs form coalition amid ICE surge

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