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<br />that fear related to the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has caused <br />anxiety in the community, including among students who he said carry documentation out of fear <br />of being detained. <br /> <br />Mr. Niven asserted that some residents are afraid to perform routine activities such as attending <br />school or grocery shopping, even when they are U.S. citizens or legally present. He urged the City <br />of Ramsey and the City Council to take action to protect residents from what he characterized as <br />an ongoing threat posed by ICE activity. He criticized what he described as silence or inaction by <br />community members and leaders, arguing that failing to speak out enables harm. <br /> <br />Mr. Niven framed the issue as a moral and civil rights concern, drawing historical comparisons to <br />emphasize the seriousness of his fears and calling on city leadership to actively protect all residents <br />they consider neighbors. <br /> <br />Mayor Heineman encouraged the speaker to continue, but reiterated the importance of maintaining <br />decorum during public comment. He emphasized that while individuals have the right to express <br />their views, the City Council expects comments to avoid assigning blanket motives or labels to <br />groups of people. <br /> <br />Mayor Heineman stated that attributing intent broadly can detract from the clarity and <br />effectiveness of a speaker’s message. He affirmed that the city would not ascribe motives to <br />individuals and asked that speakers apply the same standard. He concluded by requesting that <br />rhetoric be toned down on all sides to support a more constructive and respectful discussion. <br /> <br />Elliot Niven concluded his comments by reiterating his fear that residents are being terrorized by <br />the presence and actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He referenced <br />historical persecution to emphasize the level of fear he believes community members are <br />experiencing today. <br /> <br />Mr. Niven directly challenged the City Council to take action, asking what steps would be taken <br />to protect residents and how many incidents would be required before intervention. He urged city <br />leaders to decide whether to oppose what he described as harmful and intimidating ICE activity or <br />to allow it to continue, and he concluded by calling on elected officials to take a stand on behalf <br />of residents. <br /> <br />Lisa, a Ramsey resident and active community member, urged the Mayor, City Council, and <br />Ramsey Police Department to issue a clear public statement denouncing the presence and actions <br />of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) within the city. She stated that she has <br />personally observed ICE agents operating in neighborhoods, businesses, hotels, and parking lots, <br />and described these activities as intimidating and alarming. <br /> <br />Lisa asserted that the current situation conflicts with Ramsey’s stated vision of being a secure, <br />citizen-driven, collaborative community. She reported that residents, children, families, and <br />business owners feel unsafe, citing fears related to school bus stops, grocery stores, homes, and <br />workplaces. She stated that some businesses have altered operations to protect employees. <br /> <br />City Council /February 10, 2026 <br />Page 6 of 20 <br /> <br />