The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published a list of state and local governments that “are deliberately obstructing the enforcement of federal immigration laws and endangering American citizens.” Among that list is the State of Minnesota and nearly two dozen local jurisdictions in Minnesota.
Last month, President Donald Trump issued an executive order to identify and thwart every sanctuary jurisdiction that exists in the United States. Describing sanctuary activities as “a lawless insurrection,” the executive order says jurisdictions that defy and obstruct federal immigration enforcement efforts will be identified and brought into compliance.
Specifically, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi were tasked with identifying local governments where officials and politicians “use their authority to violate, obstruct, and defy the enforcement of Federal immigration laws.”
This list, which includes dozens of local governments across the country, was published Thursday by DHS and identifies many localities in Minnesota that are “defying federal immigration law.”
First, the State of Minnesota itself is identified as a sanctuary jurisdiction along with the major cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. However, counties make up the largest subset of local governments listed by DHS.
According to DHS, there are 20 counties in Minnesota that are sanctuary jurisdictions including Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Scott, Carver, and Wright counties.
“These sanctuary city politicians are endangering Americans and our law enforcement in order to protect violent criminal illegal aliens,” said Secretary Noem regarding the new list. “We are exposing these sanctuary politicians who harbor criminal illegal aliens and defy federal law. President Trump and I will always put the safety of the American people first. Sanctuary politicians are on notice: comply with federal law.”
According to Trump’s executive order, the federal government will notify each jurisdiction about its various violations. Should these jurisdictions not come into compliance with federal law, DHS and the U.S. Justice Department will seek legal remedies and begin enforcement actions.
Furthermore, the Trump administration will, as permitted by law, suspend or terminate “appropriate Federal funds” that would have otherwise gone to sanctuary jurisdictions.
Luke Sprinkel
Luke Sprinkel previously worked as a Legislative Assistant at the Minnesota House of Representatives. He grew up as a Missionary Kid (MK) living in England, Thailand, Tanzania, and the Middle East. Luke graduated from Regent University in 2018.
