By Shay Lelonek / News Director

ST. CLOUD, Minn. — On Tuesday, Jan. 13 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials told the City of St. Cloud that enforcement efforts are “ongoing.”

That’s according to a Jan. 14 media release from the St. Cloud Mayor’s Office. ICE officials did not provide the City specific details regarding locations, timing, or activities.

Since that call, the St. Cloud Police Department has temporarily increased staffing to “ensure timely responses to calls for service while addressing any additional public safety concerns,” according to the release.

The City has also been closely observing the presence of ICE agents in the St. Cloud area. According to the release, the most significant activity was the incident near Star Market Inc. Halal where a large number of ICE agents were conducting an operation.

According to a Jan. 13 media release, the St. Cloud Police Department has received multiple reports of people following vehicles they believe to be driven by federal agents. In many cases, these vehicles were being driven by civilians.

Reports also included people following actual federal agents while driving distractedly, creating an increased risk of car accidents.

SCPD officers have also been followed and confronted while conducting law enforcement activity unrelated to immigration. These encounters increase the risk of misunderstandings and harm to officers, bystanders, and those involved, according to the release.

Because of these risks, SCPD is urging people to not engage in these tactics. Anyone who does may face traffic citations or other criminal charges.