Minutes - Council - 02/10/2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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leaving the lot, she stated she was followed first by ICE vehicles and later by Ramsey Police Department vehicles, prompting her to drive around until she felt safe to return home. Ms. Gonzalez reported that, upon returning to the grocery store in a different vehicle to avoid being followed again, she observed police vehicles near the hotel exit. She expressed ongoing concern about frequent ICE presence in her neighborhood. Ms. Gonzalez stated that her family, who are Mexican American, now feel unsafe in the community and fear being targeted, despite her husband being a U.S. citizen. She shared that her family has altered daily routines due to fear of detention or harassment. She concluded by asking when the Ramsey Police Department will prioritize protecting residents over intimidating community members. She called on the City of Ramsey, the City Council, and the Ramsey PD to formally denounce ICE activity in the city. Mayor Heineman thanked Ms. Gonzalez for coming forward and affirmed that sharing personal experiences during public comment is appropriate and valued. He emphasized the importance of using accurate information and respectfully asked speakers to avoid assigning motives to any group's actions, while acknowledging individuals’ right to express how they felt about the situation. Mayor Heineman stated that discussing experiences such as feeling followed by ICE or Ramsey Police is acceptable, but encouraged framing comments around observed actions rather than assumptions about intent. He clarified that this request was not a demand, but a general guideline for constructive dialogue. Mayor Heineman then spoke in support of the Ramsey Police Department, noting its long-standing commitment to community-based policing focused on partnership and public safety rather than crime-seeking enforcement. Drawing on his personal experience of living in the community since 1991, he expressed confidence in the department’s approach. In response to the specific concerns raised, Mayor Heineman invited the Police Chief to address departmental protocol and explain why officers may have been present in the situation described. Police Chief Bluml thanked Mayor Heineman for the opportunity to speak and acknowledged community concerns. He emphasized that the Ramsey Police Department’s mission is grounded in its oath to protect and serve with courage, integrity, and honor, and that the department is deeply invested in the Ramsey community, having served since 1974. Police Chief Bluml stated that Ramsey Police do not enforce immigration laws, noting that this has always been the department’s position and is not a recent change. He reiterated that the department’s role is to maintain order, protect people and property, and uphold the U.S. and Minnesota Constitutions. He explained that the department has responded to increased activity and concerns related to lodging locations, patrol requests, and reported sightings in certain neighborhoods. In these situations, officers are focused on maintaining public safety, preventing property damage, and ensuring peaceful conditions for the entire community. City Council /February 10, 2026 Page 4 of 20