At the February 17th Dakota County Board of Commissioners meeting, county manager 
Dr. Heidi Welch presented an update on the county’s response to Operation Metro Surge.
The presentation was an overview of the situational update, known impacts and responses, and unknown impacts.
Dr. Welch pointed out that the situation is that Operation Metro Surge began in December of 2025; at its highest peak, 3000 federal law enforcement agents were in Minnesota. The drawdown of Operation Metro Surge began in early February, and on February 12th came the announcement of the end of Operation Metro Surge.
Dakota County has seen an increase in many services, some of the services being Crisis Response Unit (CRU) calls, client transportation to all types of health appointments, interpreter services, and eviction. According to Dakota County, there’s been a need for extra outreach to client families and individuals and alternatives to in-person services when possible.
There has been a constituent request for a ban on ICE from county property. Dr. Welch pointed out that some people feel that safety and uncertainty would be improved with a Dakota County ordinance that could restrict federal law enforcement from county-owned properties.
County manager Dr. Heidi Welch did not recommend pursuing the ordinance. The reasons being the ordinances are often unenforceable in the moment; it’s a slow process, as ordinances take time, often involving citations and tickets; and situations are not instantly remedied. Dr. Welch pointed out that pursuing this ordinance could offer people a false sense of safety from ICE on Dakota County property.
According to Dakota County, there was an impact on county staff during Operation Metro Surge. The county continues to offer training and guidance, ongoing communication, and exchange of information. The county continues to provide care and resources to staff, such as listening sessions and paid family and medical leave.
Dr. Welch explained that Dakota County will be attentive to the unknown impacts, such as economic instability for some households, educational outcomes, small business impact, and building local law enforcement trust within communities.
The full Dakota County Board of Commissioners meeting can be found on the Dakota County website.