Sponsor: Finance
Sheriff's Office
Title
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Local Public Safety Funding for Operation Metro Surge and First Amendment Protected Events
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Recommendation
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Authorize the County Manager to transfer $379,800 from the General Contingency Account to the Sheriff’s Office 2026 budget to fund the costs of local public safety services associated with Operation Metro Surge and First Amendment protected events for the period of January 1, 2026, through March 30, 2026.
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Background and Rationale
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Launched in December 2025, Operation Metro Surge was a federally-led immigration enforcement initiative across Minnesota, including in the Twin Cities and Ramsey County, that resulted in a significant increase in the presence of federal agents. During this time, the Sheriff’s Office provided local public safety, emergency response, and security services related to Operation Metro Surge and First Amendment protected events. Under a “One Ramsey County” approach, the Sheriff’s Office collaborated closely with county leadership, county departments, the Office of the Ramsey County Attorney, city partners, and state officials.
Beyond broader economic and other impacts, local law enforcement agencies faced significant financial strain with personnel costs rising sharply - primarily due to increased overtime - as illustrated below:
Local Law Enforcement Cost Estimates
Agency Metro Surge No Kings Event Total
Minneapolis Police Department $5,200,000 Not Applicable $5,200,000
Minnesota State Patrol $1,332,000 $115,000 $1,447,000
Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office $1,300,000 Not Applicable $1,300,000
Minnesota Department of $1,044,424 $114,079 $1,158,503
Natural Resources
Saint Paul Police Department $446,780 $88,466 $535,246
Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office $269,800 $110,000 $379,800
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Although the Sheriff’s Office incurred lower overall costs than comparable agencies, total expenditures still reached $379,800. The Sheriff’s Office role was broad and central to supporting community safety, in coordination with state and local partners across the county. This included increased staffing levels at the Adult Detention Center (ADC), a county responsible service mandated by statute.
The 2026 approved budget did not include funding for costs related to Operation Metro Surge or First Amendment protected events, as these activities were not anticipated during the budget development process. Because these incidents were extraordinary and not reasonably foreseeable, the associated personnel costs fell outside the approved budget. Accordingly, reimbursement is being requested from the General Contingency Account to cover expenses incurred between January 1, 2026, and March 30, 2026.
County Board approval is requested to authorize this one-time transfer of funds. This action is limited to the costs incurred and does not increase the Sheriff’s Office ongoing operating budget or create a recurring financial obligation.
The Finance Department has reviewed this request and recommends approval of this action.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☐ Prosperity ☐ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
There is no direct racial equity impact associated with this board action.
Community Participation Level and Impact
For this action, the level of community participation is “inform.” However, the community had opportunities to provide input on county priorities during the development of the 2026-2027 biennial budget. Additional opportunities for public input will be available later this year as part of the 2027 supplemental budget process. Community feedback on spending priorities and outcomes is always welcomed and encouraged.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
Sufficient funding is available within the General Contingency Account for this request. The Contract Communities will cover their costs associated with Operation Metro Surge. The approved 2026 budget did not include funding for costs associated with Operation Metro Surge and First Amendment protected events. As demonstrated during this period, externally driven operations can rapidly create local impacts. As noted in the County’s budget book, “to keep the budget at the lowest practical limit, some ‘if this should happen’ items in service team budgets have been reduced or removed over time. As this trend continues, the Contingency Account remains important and necessary for the overall financial health of the County.”
Last Previous Action
On March 10, 2026, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners were provided an update from the Ramsey County Manager on the county’s response to Operation Metro Surge.
On February 3, 2026, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution condemning Operation Metro Surge (Resolution B2026-024).
Attachments
1. 2026 Status of the General Contingent Account