The Minneapolis City Council approved changes to an ordinance Thursday that prohibits city employees from enforcing federal immigration laws.

Among other things, the new ordinance codifies the mayor's executive order that forbids federal immigration agents from using city owned parking lots, ramps, vacant lots and garages as part of their operations. The updated ordinance also prohibits the city from entering into agreements with federal authorities to enforce immigration laws.

Changes to the ordinance have been discussed at City Hall well before the recent surge in federal immigration enforcement, which began Dec 1.

Council member Jason Chavez said the changes are needed now more than ever.

"What we are seeing across Minneapolis and the state of Minnesota is disheartening,” he said. “

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