MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Minnesota, its largest cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul, and Hennepin County, asserting that local sanctuary policies obstruct the enforcement of federal immigration laws.
Filed on Monday, the lawsuit claims that these policies lead to the release of dangerous criminals who could otherwise face deportation. The federal government is asking the court to invalidate state and municipal laws that obstruct federal immigration enforcement efforts.
“Minnesota officials are jeopardizing the safety of their citizens by permitting illegal aliens to evade the legal system,” stated Attorney General Pam Bondi regarding the lawsuit.
This action against Minnesota mirrors previous lawsuits filed against other states and cities, including Colorado, Illinois, New York, and several others, indicating a pattern of legal challenges by the Trump administration aimed at jurisdictions with similarly labeled sanctuary policies.
In contrast, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison defended the state's position, claiming that it does not prevent federal entities from collaborating with local law enforcement to handle dangerous individuals.
Ellison labeled the lawsuit as a fruitless attempt at political retribution and affirmed that Minnesota will respond robustly in court.
The lawsuit cites a nonbinding advisory issued by Ellison in February, which indicated that neither local nor state law allows authorities to detain individuals for immigration purposes if they are due for release. This opinion has been used by various counties to justify their non-compliance with immigration detainers.
Additionally, policies preventing the sharing of driver's license data for immigration enforcement further complicate the legal landscape.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey stated that the city “[proudly welcomes immigrants, refugees, and families seeking opportunity]” and will not yield to pressures from the federal government.
Governor Tim Walz clarified that Minnesota does not have any laws classifying it as a sanctuary state, even while local policies restrict the degree of cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Overall, this lawsuit reflects an ongoing conflict between federal and state authority over immigration laws, particularly in jurisdictions that adopt sanctuary-like policies.
