Blue state sheriffs combine forces to fight back against sanctuary laws
Five Minnesota sheriff’s offices have recently entered cooperation agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs (ICE), signaling a different approach to immigration enforcement in a state with prevalent sanctuary policies. The sheriffs from Cass, Crow Wing, Freeborn, Itasca, and Jackson counties have all signed 287g agreements with ICE since President Donald Trump took office. These agreements allow ICE to delegate some authority to the local sheriff’s offices to carry out immigration enforcement functions.
Under these agreements, there will be increased cooperation between the local law enforcement agencies and ICE. Programs will be implemented to identify and process illegal immigrants already in custody who are eligible for deportation. Additionally, a “task force model” will be employed, where the local agencies will act as a “force multiplier” for ICE. Some officers will also undergo 40-hour ICE training sessions as part of the agreements, and participating agencies must maintain regular contact with their nearest ICE field office when conducting immigration enforcement operations.
Minnesota is known for its widespread use of sanctuary policies, with 12 counties in the state having rules in place that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The recent agreements with ICE by the five sheriff’s offices bring the total number of offices participating in 287g in the state to seven. Sherburne and Kandiyohi counties have had cooperation agreements with ICE for some time.
The implementation of these agreements has led to an increase in immigrant detentions, with a deputy from Freeborn County reporting a noticeable rise in immigration inmates since the county entered the agreement. However, the program has faced criticism, with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office advising local agencies to consider potential drawbacks.
While 287g agreements are often seen as a way to remove violent offenders from the streets, studies have shown that a significant number of individuals detained through 287g-related enforcement have only committed misdemeanors or traffic violations. Fox News Digital has reached out to Governor Tim Walz’s office for comments on the matter.
The agreements between the Minnesota sheriff’s offices and ICE highlight the complexities of immigration enforcement in a state with varying approaches to cooperation with federal authorities. As the debate over immigration policies continues, it remains essential for local agencies to weigh the benefits and potential consequences of such agreements.
