The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 9:01 a.m. on January 27, 2026, to consider administrative items, receive updates on federal immigration enforcement impacts, and discuss budget adjustments. The meeting opened with a land acknowledgement, a statement from Chair Ortega condemning recent immigration enforcement actions and the death of Alex Pready, and a resolution to send a letter to federal senators. All votes were unanimous (6-0-1, with Commissioner McMurtrey excused). A presentation on the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District was tabled. The meeting adjourned at 10:43 a.m., followed by a closed meeting with the County Attorney's Office and outside counsel.
I'd like to call to order the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners roll call, please. Chapin Singh. Here. Maguire. Here. Make my tree as excuse. Miller. Here. Moran. Here. John. Here. And we'll take it out. I can we stand for the pleasure of this. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic of which the stands one nation. Indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Yep. Thank you. Um, every community owes its existence and vitality to generations from around the world who contributed their hopes, dreams, and energy to making the history that led to this moment. Some were brought here against their will, some were drawn to leave their distant homes in hopes of a better life, and some have lived on this land since time immemorial. Truth and acknowledgement are critical to building mutual respect and connection across all barriers of heritage and difference. Please take a moment to consider the treaties made by the tribal nations that entitle non-native people to live and work on traditional native lands. Consider the many legacies of violence, displacement, migration, and settlement that bring us together here today. And please join us in uncovering such truths at any and all public events. Mr. Pretti, who was a registered intensive care unit nurse who served veterans of our community. This tragedy, in addition to the fatal shooting of Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother who was also fatally shot by immigration and custom enforcements on January 7th in Minneapolis. Thank you. So now we Commissioner Moore. Before we begin, I've been I'm over here trying to decide when I want to make a statement, and I guess I'll do it now. We were amending the agenda, so there's a little bit of, I'm trying to maneuver myself through this. The Ramsey County Board is deeply alarmed and saddened by the death of Alex Pready, a registered nurse in Minneapolis this past weekend after an incident involving federal immigration enforcement agents. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Alex's loved ones, colleagues, and the community in the midst of this loss. This is on top of the absorbing. This is on top of absorbing the shooting of Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother, who was fairly shot on January 7th less than a month ago. Ramsey County condemns violence in our communities. The seriousness of these incidents and others demand transparency and accountability. Recognizing the critical role of partners like the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. We call for a full, unencumbered investigation and urge that findings be shared promptly and clearly with those immediately impacted and the public. Our communities are tired, excuse me, or tired and need time to heal. You must act now to stop this violence before more lives are lost, and to uphold the safety and civil liberties of all Americans. In response, I am sending a letter on behalf of my colleagues to our federal Minnesota Senators anticipating their action later this week. We strongly urge them to hold any further funding to the Department of Homeland Security. This action is necessary to ensure that federal law enforcement operations respect constituent constituent constitutional rights, protect human life, and are conducted with full accountability of the American people. Ramsey County has always been committed to building a community where all residents have the opportunity to thrive. That commitment has never wavered. And in this moment, it demands even greater resolve. In response to recent federal immigration enforcement actions and the separations of families, Ramsey County unequivocally reaffirms our commitment to supporting families and standing with our communities during times of fear and uncertainty. Ramsey County remains steadfast in ensuring that our residents can continue to access the critical county services they rely on safely, without disruption, and without hesitation.