Fargo Police Detail Role in Immigration Enforcement, Highlight Focus on Public Safety
FARGO, N.D. — Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski addressed city commissioners on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, outlining the department’s approach to immigration-related issues and its commitment to balancing constitutional rights with public safety. The briefing came as communities nationwide continue to grapple with the intersection of local law enforcement and federal immigration policy.
Chief Zibolski emphasized that the Fargo Police Department’s involvement in immigration matters is limited to situations involving actual or alleged violations of state law or city ordinances. He stated that the department’s primary objective is maintaining peace and ensuring the safety of both the public and law enforcement officers.
“Our folks do an outstanding job of balancing the Constitutional rights of everyone, all sides of the equation, in ensuring safety for everyone,” Zibolski said, according to a report from KFGO/KVRR. He clarified that making immigration arrests falls under the purview of the federal government, not local police.
While Fargo police officers do not initiate immigration arrests, they are authorized to detain individuals if they have reason to believe those individuals are in violation of federal immigration law. In such cases, the officers will hold the suspect until federal immigration officials arrive to take custody.
Zibolski noted that Fargo has, fortunately, not experienced any significant issues related to immigration enforcement. He attributed this to the department’s dedication to upholding constitutional rights and prioritizing public safety.
To further prepare officers for potential encounters, the entire Fargo Police Department recently completed training focused on immigration law and their role in it. This training was coupled with instruction on how to effectively manage protest activities while ensuring the safety of all involved. The department’s proactive approach to training reflects a commitment to navigating complex situations with sensitivity and professionalism.
The police chief’s presentation to the City Commission underscores the department’s commitment to transparency and clear communication regarding its policies and procedures. It also highlights the delicate balance local law enforcement agencies must strike when addressing immigration-related concerns within their communities. According to reporting from Inforum, Zibolski explained that officers can only be involved in criminal immigration violations, not civil violations.
The department’s stance aligns with a broader national conversation about the role of local police in immigration enforcement, with many agencies seeking to clarify their responsibilities and avoid becoming entangled in federal immigration matters unless there is a direct connection to criminal activity. The recent training and Zibolski’s briefing signal Fargo’s intention to operate within those established boundaries.
