The Minnesota Department of Human Rights announced the findings on Friday, October 16, 2026.<\/p>\n
State investigators found probable cause of discrimination in two separate complaints from Native American customers.<\/p>\n
The cases involve Wings Financial Credit Union in Coon Rapids and The Office Pub and Grill in Minneapolis.<\/p>\n
The underlying incidents occurred in 2024, according to MPR News.<\/p>\n
Credit Union Customer Denied Account Access<\/h2>\n
Investigators found that Wings Financial Credit Union repeatedly rejected a woman’s tribal identification card.<\/p>\n
Her identification was issued by the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribe.<\/p>\n
The woman was trying to access her bank account at the Coon Rapids branch.<\/p>\n
According to the department, employees demanded extra documents that other customers were not required to provide.<\/p>\n
Investigators also reported hostile treatment and limits on her access to banking services.<\/p>\n
MPR News<\/a> reported that she was denied assistance six times over four months.<\/p>\n Wings told the Minnesota Star Tribune that it was updating its identification policies.<\/p>\n The credit union said identity checks help protect customers from fraud.<\/p>\n The second complaint involved The Office Pub and Grill in Minneapolis.<\/p>\n State investigators found that the bar denied service to a customer on three occasions.<\/p>\n The customer presented a valid Red Lake Nation identification card showing his age.<\/p>\n An attorney for the bar told the Minnesota Star Tribune<\/a> that the business was appealing the findings.<\/p>\n The attorney disputed that the refusals amounted to discrimination.<\/p>\n Minnesota law recognizes qualifying tribal IDs when state statutes or rules accept Minnesota identification cards.<\/p>\n The cards must meet legal requirements, including being unexpired and showing the enrolled member’s name, photograph, signature, and birthdate.<\/p>\n Those requirements are outlined in Minnesota Statute 171.072<\/a>.<\/p>\n Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero said tribal identification is closely tied to sovereignty and self-government.<\/p>\n The department urged schools, businesses, and law enforcement agencies to follow state identification requirements.<\/p>\n The announcement also cited concerns about federal immigration agents rejecting tribal IDs during Operation Metro Surge.<\/p>\n State officials said those concerns reinforced the need for proper identification policies.<\/p>\n The department plans to work with both businesses and the affected customers to address the findings.<\/p>\n Possible remedies include updated policies, staff training, and financial penalties.<\/p>\n The findings do not mean a court has issued a final judgment in either case.<\/p>\n More information is available through the Minnesota Department of Human Rights announcement<\/a>.<\/p>\n Residents who believe they experienced discrimination can report it to state officials.<\/p>\n Reports can be submitted through the Minnesota Department of Human Rights online reporting form<\/a>.<\/p>\n The department also operates a discrimination helpline at 1-833-454-0148<\/a>.<\/p>\n The agency reviews submissions to determine whether a formal discrimination charge can proceed.<\/p>\n![\"Coon](\"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Coon-Rapids-Minneapolis-Businesses-Cited-Over-Tribal-IDs-1024x576.png\")
<\/a>Minneapolis Bar Refused Tribal ID Three Times<\/h2>\n
What Minnesota Law Says About Tribal IDs<\/h2>\n
What Happens Next for the Businesses?<\/h2>\n
How to Report Discrimination in Minnesota<\/h2>\n