Mission

CapitolRiver Council, an official advisory group to the City Council, represents and works in partnership with all District 17 stakeholders to act on urban planning and community building efforts as part of a shared vision to support sustainable, safe, healthy, and vibrant neighborhoods.

Please consider making a donation of any amount to support our work: Make a donation to CRC (via Mighty Cause)

News and Announcements

Immigration Enforcement in the City of Saint Paul 

The following document was distributed by the Saint Paul Police Department

Feb. 4, Rapid Response / Legal Observer Training Opportunity

The following training opportunity will be on Wednesday, Feb. 4, from 6-8:30 pm in Saint Paul, and the exact location will be provided to people who sign up: https://secure.ngpvan.com/gJKKDgCWm02cp_k1DEVgUw2

City Council to Introduce Series of Updates in Response to Federal Immigration Enforcement

January 21, 2026

The following news release was sent by Jay Willms, Director of Council Operations: 

The Saint Paul City Council will swiftly introduce a series of ordinances and ordinance updates in response to federal immigration enforcement actions, working in partnership with the Mayor’s Office to clarify the City’s role relative to these actions.

The Council’s approach recognizes the urgency to act expediently and the necessity to build durable protections that provide clarity to residents and that can withstand legal challenges. The Council acknowledges that since the events of November 25th, 2025, on Rose Avenue that involved Saint Paul Police Department, the conditions and tactics of federal immigration enforcement agencies have changed and continue to change rapidly. The City must move urgently and therefore will not wait for one comprehensive update to the City’s existing separation ordinance (Chapter 44 of the City’s Administrative Code).

On Wednesday, January 21st, 2026, the City Council will introduce an ordinance prohibiting the use of City-owned parking lots and property for staging federal immigration enforcement activities.

Wednesday’s council meeting will also include a discussion of subsequent immediate and near-term actions.

The City Council recognizes how dire this moment is and is committed to using every tool available to meet it, including updating the existing separation ordinance but not relying on those changes alone to enact meaningful protections. This approach is comprehensive across departments, policies, and procedures.

The Council emphasized that the ordinance updates do not change federal law, do not interfere with lawful federal enforcement actions, and do not prevent compliance with valid warrants or court orders. Instead, they clarify the scope of the City’s authority and responsibilities under local law.

Starting immediately, the Council will introduce the updates as a series of ordinances and policy changes over the coming weeks, allowing for focused discussion, legal review, and public transparency as each proposal moves forward.

Additional information, including draft ordinances and meeting dates, will be shared as the legislative process proceeds. This phased approach allows for swifter action in response to the most pressing concerns of our community while maintaining legal standards.

CRC Meeting Schedule

All CRC meetings are open to the public.

Friday, January 23, 2026: Skyway Governance Advisory Committee meeting, 9-10:30 a.m., via Zoom

Standing Agenda (other agenda items may be added)

• Public safety updates and Q and A with City of Saint Paul Police and Downtown Alliance representatives. 
• Department of Safety and Inspections updates and Q and A

Zoom link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83219315937?pwd=R0JvbmpYOEFVZStnVVIyeEVBZDhkZz09

Meeting ID: 832 1931 5937
Passcode: 835886

About CapitolRiver Council

CapitolRiver Council is one of the 17 district councils for the City of Saint Paul. CRC is a private, 501(c)3 non-profit organization that exists to engage residents, business owners, workers and property owners in issues and projects that affect downtown Saint Paul and the Capitol area.

• Sign up to become a member of CapitolRiver Council. Downtown and Capitol-area residents, building owners, business owners and workers become a voting member by attending one meeting per year. Voting members are eligible to seek election to the CRC Board of Directors. By becoming a member, you are agreeing to receive emails from CRC, and you are agreeing to follow the CRC Code of Conduct.
• Board Meeting Agendas and Minutes
• Map of District 17 (includes Downtown Saint Paul, the Capitol area south of University Avenue, Regions Hospital, The Minnesota History Center, and residences around Cathedral Hill Park)
• CRC Bylaws (updated April 27, 2021)
• CRC Inclusion Plan (adopted January 25, 2022)
• 2024 Budget
• CRC Policy and Procedures
• Read more about Saint Paul's district councils and Community Engagement Program
• Read more about CRC