MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated a lawsuit against the state of Minnesota, as well as its two largest cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul, claiming that their so-called sanctuary policies obstruct the federal government's ability to enforce immigration laws.
Filed on Monday, the lawsuit specifically targets policies in Minnesota that allegedly allow for the release of potentially harmful criminals who would typically be eligible for deportation. The federal government is seeking a court ruling to nullify the state and local laws that it asserts are hindering immigration enforcement.
Attorney General Pam Bondi stated, “Minnesota officials are compromising the safety of their residents by enabling illegal immigrants to avoid legal repercussions.”
Minnesota now joins a list of jurisdictions that have faced similar actions from President Donald Trump’s administration, which has previously sued states and cities including Colorado, Illinois, and New York over their immigration policies.
Keith Ellison, Minnesota's Attorney General, defended the state, asserting that it does not obstruct collaboration between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities to address serious offenses.
This lawsuit marks a continued push by the Trump administration to challenge what it describes as non-compliance with federal immigration regulations. Minnesota officials, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Tim Walz, have strongly criticized the lawsuit, describing it as politically motivated retaliation against the state.
Frey emphasized Minneapolis's commitment to welcoming immigrants and refugees, stating, “Donald Trump has made a career out of attacking immigrants and using fear to drive division.”
The lawsuit cites an advisory opinion released by Ellison earlier this year, indicating that neither state nor federal law requires local authorities to hold individuals solely based on immigration detainers if they are otherwise eligible for release. This legal opinion has led many counties to limit their cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, with notable examples from the Hennepin County jail, which does not notify immigration enforcement when certain individuals are released.
Despite allegations, Minnesota does not have state laws explicitly identifying it as a sanctuary state, and officials contend that local policies are crafted to ensure community trust and safety.
The outcome of this litigation could significantly influence the interaction between local authorities and federal immigration efforts across the United States.
