The Anoka Police Department has prepared a flyer "What You Need to Know" about the immigration enforcement in the City of Anoka. The flyer provides information about the Anoka Police Department and additional resources available to the public. Download the flyer : What You Need to Know - Immigration Enforcement in the City of Anoka
ANDY YOUNGQUIST Chief of Police
Community Statement
Considering recent events involving federal authorities – including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – both nationally and within Minnesota related to fraud and immigration enforcement, the Anoka Police Department would like to clarify its role and responsibilities to our residents.
The Anoka Police Department enforces state and local laws only. We do not enforce federal criminal law or federal immigration law. This has been our longstanding practice and will continue to be so. Like many police departments, the Anoka Police Department operates under a Mission and Goals Statement. One of our stated goals is to “instill public confidence in the police department by exercising sound management practices that provide firm direction, a commitment to excellence, and a professional working environment whereby officers can deliver police services in an efficient and expedient manner.” This commitment applies to all individuals we serve, regardless of immigration status.
The Anoka Police Department is dedicated to serving our community with professionalism, dignity, and respect, ensuring public safety while upholding the trust of all residents.
As we have always done, the Police Department maintains open lines of communication with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to understand whether they may be conducting investigations or operations within the City of Anoka. Based on that information, the Chief of Police and command staff determine what level of involvement, if any, is appropriate for the Anoka Police Department.
With respect to federal immigration enforcement activities, the Anoka Police Department does not take an active role in such operations unless there is an immediate and articulable public safety concern. To date, the Anoka Police Department has not been made aware of any federal immigration enforcement operations occurring within the City of Anoka.
The Anoka Police Department is legally required to ensure public safety for all people. In limited circumstances, this responsibility may involve assisting with traffic or crowd control to maintain safety during federal operations. Our officers’ role in these situations is focused on de-escalation, public safety, and maintaining order, not enforcing immigration law.
If protests or public gatherings occur, Anoka Police officers may respond to determine whether the activity is lawful, protect public safety, and preserve the peace, while safeguarding the constitutional rights of individuals exercising their First Amendment freedoms.
Anoka Police officers do not have authority over federal agencies and cannot interfere with or stop federal operations. It is also unlawful for members of the public to obstruct or interfere with ICE or any other federal law enforcement activity.
When witnessing any law enforcement activity, residents are encouraged to remain peaceful, stay safe, and follow lawful instructions from Anoka Police officers. Public access to streets and sidewalks must be maintained, and officers will work to ensure the safety of everyone present.
The Anoka Police Department remains committed to transparency, lawful policing, and serving all members of our community with professionalism and respect.
Respectfully,
Andy Youngquist
Chief of Police
Hot off the press! The winter edition of the City View newsletter has made its way to mailboxes. This issue is packed with timely updates and valuable information, including programs, projects, transit, winter recreation, public safety, 2026 city budget, department updates, community happenings, and much more.
View it at City View Newsletter.
Driving a few miles an hour over the speed limit might not seem like a big deal. But when it’s along a residential stretch of road flanked by schools and peppered with heavy foot traffic, excessive speeds are a serious concern. With constant calls about speeding and reckless driving, both the city and its residents have legitimate concern for public safety. That’s why changes are coming, thanks to the Safe Road Zone grant. Keep reading to learn more about how and why Anoka is taking steps to get drivers to slow down.