Immigration Resources

The City of Rochester provides general information to help residents understand their rights if they encounter federal immigration authorities, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). While the City does not enforce federal immigration law, residents may still encounter ICE in the community. This page outlines general rights and available resources to help residents navigate those situations.

Know Your Rights with ICE - Immigrant Defense Project: This explains your rights while interacting with ICE officers.
Know Your Rights Fact Sheet: Overview of immigrant rights.
Conozca sus derechos en español: Proporciona una descripción general de los derechos de los inmigrantes.
Xuquuqdaada baro: xuquuqda dadka soo haajira: Waxay bixisaa dulmar guud oo ku saabsan xuquuqda soogalootiga.
Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota Resources: A list of resources for immigrants in Minnesota.
National Immigrant Justice Center Fact Sheets: A series of fact sheets outlining the rights of immigrants.
Printable "Red Cards" (multiple languages): Red cards outline immigrant rights and give examples of how people can exercise these rights. These cards are also available in printed versions at the Rochester Public Library.
MN Attorney General Know your Rights with ICE - Information from the Office of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison.

National Immigration Law Center: Establishes and defends the legal rights of all immigrants
Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota: Provides free immigration legal representation to low-income immigrants and refugees in Minnesota and North Dakota
International Institute of Minnesota: Provides low-cost immigration assistance to refugees and immigrants living in Minnesota
The Advocates for Human Rights: Represents people in the Upper Midwest who are seeking asylum, detained by immigration, unaccompanied children or trafficking victims
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid: Advocates for the legal rights of disadvantaged people to have safe, healthy, and independent lives in strong communities
Southeastern Minnesota Interfaith Immigrant Legal Defense: Advocates for the rights to a fair hearing for those who have been detained in SE MN.
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services: Provides free, high-quality legal services to low-income people in critical civil matters.

Housing Resources & Eviction Prevention

Extra Support

2-1-1 – Call anytime for immediate connections to rent help, utilities, food, and other services.
Minnesota Courts Self-Help Centers: Forms and guidance for tenants representing themselves in court.
Local libraries may also offer computers, printing and help locating forms.

Free or Low-Cost Help for Tenants

These organizations assist with eviction defense, understanding notices, lease issues, security deposits, repairs, and other landlord-tenant concerns. Most services are free for income-eligible households.

Legal Assistance of Olmsted – Free legal services for tenants facing eviction or other housing issues such as unsafe conditions, deposits, and lease disputes. Income eligibility usually applies.
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS) – Provides no-cost legal representation and advice in eviction cases and landlord disputes.
HOME Line – Statewide tenant advocacy organization offering legal information, tenant rights education, and help navigating rental problems, including eviction prevention. Tenant hotline and online resources available.
LAOC Eviction Prevention Project - Tenants in Olmsted County who are facing eviction can receive free help to:

Negotiate a settlement with a landlord
Find government or community funding to “pay and stay”
Seek dismissal and expungement of an eviction record

Tip: Many legal aid programs offer walk-in clinics or phone hotlines for quick advice. Call ahead to confirm hours, language access, and income requirements.

Rental & Utility Assistance

If you need financial help to catch up on rent or utilities, these programs may be able to help prevent an eviction filing.

Three Rivers Community Action – Rental and utility assistance programs and referrals for Rochester area residents. Address: 4001 West River Parkway NW, Suite 100, Rochester, MN 55901
The Salvation Army – Rochester - Emergency housing and rental assistance support Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Phone: 507-288-3663 Email: rochestersocialservices@usc.salvationarmy.org
United Way of Southeast Minnesota – 2-1-1 Connects residents to emergency rent assistance, utility help, and community resources. Call: 2-1-1 (available 24/7)
Empowering Connections and Housing Outreach (ECHO) Center - Housing navigation and coordinated entry services Phone: 507-328-7175
Family Promise Rochester (Hope at Home Fund) - The Hope at Home Fund was created by Family Promise Rochester along with community partners to respond to this moment with speed, care, and compassion.

Tenant Rights & Reporting Concerns

City of Rochester – Housing & Neighborhood Services

Resources for Renters

The City requires all rental properties to be registered and regularly inspected. Rentals must meet local housing and safety codes.

Report concerns about unsafe or unlicensed rental properties by contacting 311

Olmsted County Housing Authority

May offer housing vouchers or programs that support long-term housing stability.

Youth & Safe Housing Support

Safe Harbor – Rochester Area

24-hour confidential information line for youth who have been exploited or are at risk. Provides connections to emergency shelter, supportive housing, and case management.

24-Hour Line: 507-316-8273

Tips for Preventing Eviction

Respond quickly to any notice from your landlord or the court—deadlines matter.
Seek legal advice early; even brief guidance can help you understand your options.
Apply for rental assistance right away if you are behind on rent.
Keep records of payments, repair requests, and all communication with your landlord.
Attend all court dates and ask for an interpreter if needed.

Immigration Resources for Employers