Northfield Police and ICE Operations: What Residents Need to Know
Policy analysis, observer guidance, and Police Chief Schroepfer's response to key questions
TL;DR
Federal immigration operations have begun in Northfield. If you are on-site for one:
Observe from a distance, record video, call 911 if needed
Comply immediately with direct orders. A Minneapolis observer was arrested for refusing to move back
What residents need to know: Will Northfield police respond to 911 calls during these operations? Will they intervene if witnessing unlawful force? The answers should be clear. They’re not. Analysis below.
UPDATE: Northfield Chief of Police Jeff Schroepfer responded to questions raised in this article. Read his full response below.
On Monday in south Minneapolis, agents attempting an arrest were surrounded by protesters, leading to pepper spray, tasers, and multiple arrests, according to MPR News. When agents called for backup, officers from both Minneapolis and Hennepin County responded to a volatile public safety situation.
MPR also reported that Minneapolis police left the scene within 10 minutes after determining there were no “life-safety conditions” warranting further involvement. But the article doesn’t say whether officers witnessed the woman being dragged on icy pavement, whether they saw agents deploy pepper spray on bystanders, or what officers did during those 10 minutes on scene.
These incidents raise urgent questions for residents: If this happens in your neighborhood, what will your local Northfield police officers do?
Last week, residents were reportedly shouting at Northfield police officers during an ICE arrest. Would greater clarity about NPD’s role help residents understand what to expect? Quite possibly.
Among the questions that residents need answered: What are the Northfield Police Department’s (NPD) official guidelines for these operations? Will officers respond to 911 calls? Will NPD intervene if they witness unlawful excessive force?
The answers to these and other questions (see below) should be clear. They’re not.
NPD has a written policy on the City of Northfield’s website that permits “support services” during federal operations, but only upon ICE request. Police Chief Jeff Schroepfer described a “perimeter” role in a November interview. But his December statement used broader language, stating that officers are unable to “intervene in federal operations,” without clarifying what that means in practice.
In this post, I examine what NPD’s policy states, how it compares with Minneapolis’s more explicit guidance, why Northfield residents need precise answers about their police department’s role, and what residents should and should not do when observing ICE operations.
If you want the practical guidance now, skip to Part 2. It covers what residents can safely do, what actions risk arrest, and resources for observers. Part 1 analyzes NPD’s policy and the remaining uncertainties about its role.
Here’s an outline for the rest of this post:
Part 1: What Is the Northfield Police Department’s Role During ICE Operations?
What local police cannot do
What local police can do
What remains unclear locally
How Minneapolis police approach this
Questions for NPD
My Take
Chief Schroepfer’s Response
Part 2: What Should Residents Do If They Witness an Operation?
Do’s and Don’ts (quick reference)
Detailed guidance on safe observation
Resources for observers
PART 1: What Is the Northfield Police Department’s Role During ICE Operations?
What local police cannot do
They cannot intervene in or stop a federal enforcement action that is lawfully conducted.
They cannot require ICE to notify them before or after an operation.
They cannot arrest or detain federal agents operating under federal authority. Questions about potentially unlawful conduct by federal agents are handled through federal oversight channels and courts, not by local police intervention.
These limits are based on long-standing federal law and apply to police departments nationwide, not just Northfield.
What local police can do
Even though they cannot interfere with a lawful federal arrest, local officers can still respond to public safety concerns that arise around one. Minnesota law does not prevent police from:
Responding to 911 calls from residents at the scene
Providing medical assistance or securing the area
Documenting what occurred (taking statements, observing, preserving evidence)
Following up on concerns about possible impersonation of officers
Referring complaints to the proper federal oversight offices
Responding to a call or ensuring public safety does not legally count as “interfering” with a lawful federal operation.
What remains unclear locally
The Northfield Police Department has addressed its role during ICE operations in three different contexts, each providing different levels of detail:
The written policy (Chapter 4, Policy 413) states that when federal immigration officials request assistance, “The Department may provide available support services, such as traffic control or peacekeeping efforts.” Screenshot:
But that’s about responding to ICE requests. The policy doesn’t clarify whether NPD will provide those same services when residents call 911, or what officers should do if they independently witness excessive force or other unlawful conduct.
In a November 20 KYMN Radio interview, Chief of Police Schroepfer elaborated on this approach, describing a “perimeter” role where officers can respond when something becomes unsafe during a federal operation:
“We may get called. And then we can have some involvement there. And basically, it’s almost like a perimeter, if you want to call it that, where if you’ve seen it in other cities, if a controversial item is going on, and it’s almost like clashing in the middle is we would get involved and have the authority to get involved in basically moving people back and protecting the scene.”
But in his December 10 written statement on the department’s Facebook page, Chief Schroepfer used broader language:
The Northfield Police Department was informed of federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity that occurred within the city earlier today. We are also aware of recent, increased ICE enforcement operations occurring in Northfield and nearby locations.
It is important for the public to understand that the Northfield Police Department does not have the legal authority to intervene in, restrict, or otherwise influence federal enforcement actions. ICE is a federal agency, and its operations are conducted solely under federal jurisdiction. Despite the calls and messages we have received, we cannot intervene in federal operations.
Additionally, ICE does not notify the Northfield Police Department of its activities—neither prior to conducting operations nor after they have concluded. These actions are planned and executed independently by the federal government.
The Northfield Police Department does not engage in immigration enforcement. We do not maintain an agreement, memorandum of understanding, or any form of authorization with ICE that would permit our officers to conduct immigration-related enforcement.
We recognize that members of our community hold a range of viewpoints on this issue. Our responsibility is to carry out our duties impartially, lawfully, and within the limits of our authority under state law and legal requirements. Our mission is to ensure the safety of everyone in our community. We remain committed to fair, impartial, and lawful policing.
Chief Schroepfer
The December statement doesn’t clarify whether the “support services” described in the policy or the “perimeter” role described in November still apply. The statement also doesn’t address:
What officers would do if they directly witnessed unlawful excessive force or civil rights violations by federal agents
Whether NPD’s duty-to-intervene policies (adopted after George Floyd’s murder) apply to federal agents
Under what specific circumstances NPD will respond to 911 calls during federal operations
How the Minneapolis police approach this
Minneapolis has provided more explicit guidance than Northfield about officers’ roles during ICE operations.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara has stated publicly that he expects officers to intervene when they witness unlawful force, including by federal agents. In early December, O’Hara said he would fire any officer who failed to intervene: “If unlawful force is being used by any law enforcement officer against any person in this city and one of our officers is there, absolutely, I expect them to intervene, or they’ll be fired.”
O’Hara has also urged Minneapolis residents to call 911 if they see masked individuals detaining people and aren’t sure if they’re law enforcement, promising officers would “immediately respond.”
But questions remain about how this works in practice. On Monday, when protesters surrounded ICE agents during a chaotic arrest in south Minneapolis, Minneapolis police and Hennepin County Sheriff’s deputies responded.
On Monday in south Minneapolis, agents attempting an arrest were surrounded by protesters, leading to pepper spray, tasers, and multiple arrests, according to MPR News. Minneapolis officers left the scene within 10 minutes after determining there were no “life-safety conditions” warranting further involvement.
What’s unclear from the reporting:
Did officers witness the woman being dragged on icy pavement?
Did they see agents deploy pepper spray, tasers, or batons on bystanders?
What did officers do during those 10 minutes on scene? Did they establish a perimeter, document what was occurring, or simply assess and leave?
How does “no life-safety conditions” square with O’Hara’s commitment to intervene if witnessing unlawful force?
The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office said deputies helped agents leave the scene but made no arrests themselves and didn’t witness any attacks on agents or injured agents.
The key difference: Despite unanswered questions about Monday’s incident, Minneapolis residents know more than Northfield residents. O’Hara has publicly committed to responding to 911 calls and intervening when officers witness unlawful force. Northfield’s chief has not made similar commitments.
Questions for NPD
The question for Northfield residents is this: If you call 911 to report what appears to be excessive force, a potential kidnapping, or a civil rights violation during an ICE operation, will NPD respond? And if officers witness unlawful conduct by federal agents, would they intervene?
NPD’s policy allows for “support services,” and Chief Schroepfer’s November comments suggest officers will respond to maintain public safety. But his December statement appears more restrictive than Minneapolis’s explicit commitments.
Specifically, residents seeking clarity might ask:
Will NPD respond to 911 calls during ICE operations? Under what circumstances?
What is the “perimeter” role Chief Schroepfer described in November, and does it still apply?
What are the “support services” mentioned in Policy 413, and when will they be provided?
If NPD officers witness what appears to be unlawful conduct by federal agents (including unlawful force or civil rights violations), are they required to intervene under Minnesota Statute 626.8475? What are they authorized to do?
Given that the presence of local police may affect how federal agents conduct operations, what is NPD’s policy regarding remaining on-site during ICE operations? If officers establish a “perimeter,” should they maintain that presence to document what occurs and ensure public safety throughout the operation, or should they leave once immediate crowd-control needs are addressed?
Given that a Minneapolis observer was arrested for what agents deemed “interference,” what guidance does NPD provide to Northfield residents about observing federal operations safely?
My Take
After reviewing NPD’s policy, Chief Schroepfer’s November interview, and his December statement, several things seem clear:
First, Northfield maintains a longstanding policy of not participating in immigration enforcement. This isn’t new or controversial locally.
Second, NPD has articulated a role in maintaining public safety during federal operations, including, as the chief described, a “perimeter” function to manage crowds and keep scenes safe.
Third, the December written statement was less specific than either the policy or the November interview, creating ambiguity about exactly when and how NPD will respond.
What’s less clear is why the December statement was vaguer. One possibility: Northfield may be trying to avoid a high-profile confrontation with federal authorities that could make it a target of increased ICE activity.
Unlike Minneapolis, which has the size and resources to withstand sustained federal pressure, Northfield is vulnerable.
That’s a real consideration. But it doesn’t eliminate the need for clarity with residents.
The questions above aren’t asking the chief to pick a political fight or make inflammatory statements. They’re asking for specific information.
Answering those questions wouldn’t require adopting Minneapolis’s more confrontational public stance. It would simply require informing Northfield residents what to expect from the police department.
Strategic concerns and transparent communication aren’t mutually exclusive. Northfield residents need both.
In the meantime, residents who witness ICE operations can help create that clarity by documenting not only what federal agents do but also what local police do when they respond. Over time, that documentation will show whether NPD’s actual practice aligns with what the chief has said publicly.
Lastly, residents who observe an ICE operation need to know how to conduct themselves in ways that don’t make the situation worse for the detainees, the ICE agents, the local police, or themselves. That’s why there’s a Part 2 to this post.
Chief Schroepfer’s Response
After this article was prepared for publication, I emailed Chief Schroepfer the above questions early on Dec. 17, asking for a response. He replied by the end of the day. His full response:
Thank you for reaching out and for offering the opportunity to clarify these issues prior to your publication on Northfield.org. I appreciate the thoughtful nature of your questions and your focus on the department’s written policy and public statements.
At a high level, the Northfield Police Department’s role during any federal law enforcement activity within the city is guided by Policy 413, Minnesota law, and our core obligation to protect public safety. NPD does not participate in immigration enforcement, nor do we assist in civil immigration actions.
To address your questions:
911 Response: NPD will always respond to 911 calls involving immediate threats to life, safety, or significant public order concerns, regardless of other agencies operating in the area. Our response is limited to addressing the public safety issue presented, not facilitating federal enforcement activity.
Perimeter Role: A “perimeter” role means maintaining public safety, managing traffic, and preventing bystanders from being harmed. It does not involve assisting with detentions, arrests, or investigative activity by federal agencies.
Support Services: Under Policy 413, “support services” are limited to traditional public safety functions such as emergency response or scene stabilization. These are provided only for clear public safety needs and never to advance immigration enforcement.
Unlawful Conduct: NPD officers are bound by Minnesota Statute 626.8475. While federal agencies do not routinely share the full legal basis for their actions, our officers are required to take reasonable action if they witness conduct that clearly appears unlawful or presents an imminent risk of serious harm. Any such situation would be handled professionally, with appropriate reporting and review.
Duration of Presence: NPD does not remain on-site to observe or document federal operations. Once the specific public safety or traffic concerns are resolved, our officers disengage.
Guidance for Community Members: We advise residents to prioritize their safety, maintain a lawful distance, and avoid actions that could be perceived as interference. Individuals with concerns are encouraged to document from a safe distance and use appropriate legal or oversight channels.
Because federal operations vary widely, NPD avoids rigid, scenario-specific commitments and instead relies on policy, statute, and officer judgment to guide our response.
I hope this provides helpful clarification.
Sincerely,
Jeff Schroepfer
Chief of Police
PART 2: What Should Residents Do If They Witness an Operation?
What can community members safely and legally do if they witness a federal immigration operation, and what actions could unintentionally make the situation worse?
These situations can be confusing, emotional, and tense, especially when they unfold suddenly in residential neighborhoods. Reports from recent ICE activity in Northfield included moments when bystanders were shouting at local police officers, highlighting the need for clear guidance.
I’ve compiled the information below from immigration attorneys, civil rights organizations, and public safety experts who have been advising observers during the recent surge of ICE operations in Minnesota.
That said, I am not an attorney (I don’t even play one on the internet!), and this should not be considered legal advice.
Important legal note: Federal law makes it a crime to “forcibly assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate or interfere” with federal agents. Recent arrests in Minneapolis show that agents interpret “impede” and “interfere” very broadly. Even asking agents to identify themselves or refusing to move back when ordered has led to arrest. All observation carries some risk.
OBSERVING ICE OPERATIONS: DO’S AND DON’TS
Based on guidance from immigration attorneys and civil rights organizations
DO:
✓ Observe from a safe distance
✓ Record video (but don’t live-stream - see note below)
✓ Document details (time, location, agent actions)
✓ Document local police response (when they arrive, what they do, what effects their presence has, when they leave)
✓ Note detainee information if safely possible (name, DOB, country of origin)
✓ Stay calm and keep your voice level
✓ Call 911 if you witness what could be considered unlawful conduct by anyone at the scene
DON’T:
✗ Approach agents or vehicles
✗ Block vehicles, doors, or equipment
✗ Shout at or confront agents or the local police
✗ Refuse direct orders from federal agents to move back or disperse
✗ Demand to see a warrant (in public spaces)
✗ Follow vehicles with tinted windows
✗ Resist if you are detained
✗ Live-stream or immediately share videos on social media
Why not live-stream? Live-streaming can expose detainees and bystanders in ways you can’t undo, compromise legal cases, and often occurs without the detainee’s consent. Instead, record the operation, then share footage with immigrant rights organizations who can advise you on appropriate timing and use.
Below is detailed guidance on each of these points.
What residents can do
Observe from a safe distance
Residents have the right to observe federal agents in a public space, provided they do not interfere with or obstruct them.
Record video
Minnesota law permits people to film law enforcement, including federal agents, when they are in public view, provided the filming does not interfere with the operation.
Document what you saw
Dates, times, agent markings or lack thereof, actions taken, and anything unusual can be useful later if a complaint is filed. If Northfield police officers respond to the scene, also document when they arrived, what they did, and how (if at all) ICE agents’ behavior changed after NPD arrived. Since NPD’s policy on federal operations is unclear, documenting their actual response helps establish the practice.
Document identifying information, if possible
If you witness someone being detained and can do so safely, please note the person’s name, date of birth, country of origin, and contact information for family members. Immigration advocates say this information helps locate detainees and connect them with legal help. Share this information with immigrant rights organizations, not on social media or in a public comment discussion thread.
Check on the well-being of children or family members nearby
Without approaching federal agents, residents can monitor vulnerable people and help direct them to safety if needed.
Call 911 if you witness potential unlawful conduct
If you witness what appears to be excessive force, a medical emergency, someone in danger, or other possibly unlawful behavior, calling 911 is appropriate. Even if NPD’s response during a federal operation is unclear, calling creates an official record of the incident, establishes a timeline, and may prompt officer presence that could affect how the situation unfolds. Additionally, if you witness something that appears dangerous or unlawful and don’t call, no one may know it happened. Documenting your call, including the time and what you reported, provides evidence for any future accountability efforts.
Remain calm and keep your voice level
This helps prevent escalation and keeps everyone, including bystanders, safer. Recent arrests in Minneapolis demonstrate that even lawful observation can be treated as interference if agents believe you’re not complying with their orders, which is why maintaining distance and staying calm are essential.
What residents should not do
Do not physically approach federal agents or vehicles involved in the operation
This can be interpreted as interference with federal operations and may result in your arrest.
Do not block vehicles, doors, or equipment
Even passive obstruction can legally constitute interference with federal operations.
Do not shout at, argue with, or confront federal agents in any way
This type of provocation can trigger a harsher reaction from the agents, either towards you, other residents, or detainees.
Do not refuse direct orders from federal agents to move back or disperse
If federal agents order you to step back or leave the area, comply immediately. On December 9, a U.S. citizen in Minneapolis was thrown to the ground, handcuffed, and detained for five hours in shackles after she refused an agent’s order to move back while observing an ICE operation. Even if you believe you have the right to observe from your current position, refusing an agent’s direct order can be treated as “interference” with federal operations and lead to your arrest. You can usually observe from a safer distance; protecting your ability to document what’s happening is more important than holding your ground.
Do not demand to see a warrant
Federal agents use administrative warrants (not judicial warrants) to detain immigrants in public spaces and open areas. Asking ICE agents, “Where’s your warrant?” when they’re conducting arrests in public is unhelpful and can escalate the situation. Judicial warrants are only required to enter private homes or businesses.
Do not live-stream or immediately share videos on social media
If you record an arrest, share the footage with immigrant rights organizations later, not immediately on social media. These organizations can use recorded footage to locate and assist detainees while protecting everyone’s rights, and they can advise you on whether sharing the video on social media would be helpful. Avoid live-streaming, as it can compromise legal proceedings, incriminate observers, and often occurs without permission from the detainee or their family.
Do not follow vehicles with tinted windows
Many people drive cars with tinted windows. Following vehicles you suspect might be ICE is not helpful and could be considered stalking.
Do not direct anger at Northfield police officers who respond to the scene
Northfield police officers responding to 911 calls are not part of ICE operations. Their role and authority during federal operations are limited (see above).
Do not attempt to intervene directly in an arrest
No matter how urgent the situation feels, civilians are not allowed to interrupt federal agents performing duties under federal authority.
Do not resist if you are detained
If federal agents detain you (even wrongfully), do not physically resist. Keep yourself safe. If you are a U.S. citizen, confirm your citizenship and then say nothing else until you contact an attorney.
Resources
Northfield Supporting Neighbors (NSN) raises funds to help with immigrant neighbors’ legal fees and organizes a community watch group
A Note to Readers
This is a developing story. Yesterday, I reached out to Chief Schroepfer for clarification on the questions listed above and updated this post with his response. If you witness an ICE operation in Northfield and document NPD’s response, please share that information in the comments or contact me directly. That documentation helps create the clarity residents need. Questions, corrections, or additional information are also welcome in the comments.
Want to keep up with the discussion? Tap the ❤️ on my first comment below, and Substack will nudge you when there’s activity.
I’m eager to get your comments and criticisms about this post. See our Civility Rules if you’re new. I enforce them!
See the latest Northfield.org posts in the archive.
I'm really pleased that Police Chief Schroepfer responded quickly with a detailed reply to my questions. Let's discuss it and anything else that interests you.
Nice thoughtful article Griff. Transparency, clarity, and level headedness are key to not letting these situations get out of hand.