On November 25, 2025, St. Paul police officers fired less-lethal munitions and chemical irritants into a crowd of peaceful protesters and members of the press during a federal immigration enforcement action. Among those affected were journalists clearly identifiable by their equipment — yet they were still targeted. Protesters exercising their First Amendment rights were reportedly pepper sprayed directly in the face, despite not violating any laws.

This happened in our city. And yet the St. Paul City Council has failed to put it on their agenda, failed to discuss it publicly, and failed to act. That silence is unacceptable.

We, the undersigned, support Communities United Against Police Brutality and demand immediate and transparent accountability from the St. Paul City Council. When public officials ignore excessive police force, they send a clear message: that abuse of power is tolerable. We do not accept that.

Councilmember Hwa Jeong Kim, who witnessed the protest herself, confirmed what many saw: that officers indiscriminately used force in a crowd that included both demonstrators and press. These actions likely violated department policies meant to protect peaceful assembly and free speech.

The city must do better. We are calling on the St. Paul City Council to:

• Publicly acknowledge and investigate the November 25 incident;
• Hold a public hearing allowing community voices to be heard;
• Ensure that any violations of protocol or civil rights result in disciplinary action.

Police oversight can’t just be performative — it must be real, and it must be transparent. If body camera footage is under review, the public deserves to see the outcome. If police are found to have overstepped, accountability must follow.

St. Paul residents and allies across the country are watching. We demand that the City Council take meaningful action now — not later — to ensure our city respects the rights of peaceful protest and a free press.

Photo: Kerem Yücel / MPR News