Coon Rapids, Minneapolis Businesses Cited Over Tribal IDs

Coon Rapids and Minneapolis, MN (trfnews.i234.me) — Two Minnesota businesses face discrimination findings for refusing identification issued by tribal governments.

The Minnesota Department of Human Rights announced the findings on Friday, October 16, 2026.

State investigators found probable cause of discrimination in two separate complaints from Native American customers.

The cases involve Wings Financial Credit Union in Coon Rapids and The Office Pub and Grill in Minneapolis.

The underlying incidents occurred in 2024, according to MPR News.

Credit Union Customer Denied Account Access

Investigators found that Wings Financial Credit Union repeatedly rejected a woman’s tribal identification card.

Her identification was issued by the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribe.

The woman was trying to access her bank account at the Coon Rapids branch.

According to the department, employees demanded extra documents that other customers were not required to provide.

Investigators also reported hostile treatment and limits on her access to banking services.

MPR News reported that she was denied assistance six times over four months.

Wings told the Minnesota Star Tribune that it was updating its identification policies.

The credit union said identity checks help protect customers from fraud.

Coon Rapids, Minneapolis Businesses Cited Over Tribal IDs

Minneapolis Bar Refused Tribal ID Three Times

The second complaint involved The Office Pub and Grill in Minneapolis.

State investigators found that the bar denied service to a customer on three occasions.

The customer presented a valid Red Lake Nation identification card showing his age.

An attorney for the bar told the Minnesota Star Tribune that the business was appealing the findings.

The attorney disputed that the refusals amounted to discrimination.

What Minnesota Law Says About Tribal IDs

Minnesota law recognizes qualifying tribal IDs when state statutes or rules accept Minnesota identification cards.

The cards must meet legal requirements, including being unexpired and showing the enrolled member’s name, photograph, signature, and birthdate.

Those requirements are outlined in Minnesota Statute 171.072.

Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero said tribal identification is closely tied to sovereignty and self-government.

The department urged schools, businesses, and law enforcement agencies to follow state identification requirements.

The announcement also cited concerns about federal immigration agents rejecting tribal IDs during Operation Metro Surge.

State officials said those concerns reinforced the need for proper identification policies.

What Happens Next for the Businesses?

The department plans to work with both businesses and the affected customers to address the findings.

Possible remedies include updated policies, staff training, and financial penalties.

The findings do not mean a court has issued a final judgment in either case.

More information is available through the Minnesota Department of Human Rights announcement.

How to Report Discrimination in Minnesota

Residents who believe they experienced discrimination can report it to state officials.

Reports can be submitted through the Minnesota Department of Human Rights online reporting form.

The department also operates a discrimination helpline at 1-833-454-0148.

The agency reviews submissions to determine whether a formal discrimination charge can proceed.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.