Minnesota officials, along with dozens of others across the country, have received letters from America First Legal (AFL), warning them of the consequences of hindering federal immigration enforcement.
AFL was founded by former, and future, Trump White House adviser Stephen Miller, and is led by prominent figures from the first Trump administration, including senior officials who were instrumental in shaping the administration’s immigration and legal policies.
AFL issues warnings to sanctuary jurisdictions
AFL sent letters to 249 officials in sanctuary jurisdictions across the country— including 12 in Minnesota—and their message was clear: federal law takes precedence over local sanctuary policies, and violating it could lead to serious repercussions, including criminal charges and civil liability.
“Sanctuary policies are against the law, make a mockery of America’s democratic principles, and demonstrate a shocking disrespect for our Constitution and our citizens,” stated James Rogers, AFL’s senior counsel.
America First Legal called out several Minnesota county leaders for allegedly violating federal immigration laws with sanctuary policies.
All of the letters state, in part, “We have identified your jurisdiction as a sanctuary jurisdiction that is violating federal law. Such lawlessness subjects you and your subordinates to significant risk of criminal and civil liability. Accordingly, we are sending this letter to put you on notice of this risk and insist that you comply with our nation’s laws.”
The letters were sent to: Cottonwood County Commissioners, Dakota County Manager Heidi Welsch, Jackson County Administrator Ryan Krosch, Kandiyohi County Administrator Kelsey Baker, Lincoln County Administrator Aimee Primus, Lyon County Administrator Loren Stomberg, Nobles County Administrator Bruce Heitkamp, Pipestone County Administrator Steve Ewing, Ramsey County Manager Ling Becker, Watonwan County Board Chairman Dillon Melheim, Hennepin County Administrator David J. Hough, and Anoka County Administrator Jim Dickinson.
“But no matter your views on our Union, the fact of the matter is that you and the other officials who support or enforce sanctuary laws, policies, and regulations have a very personal stake in the matter—you each could face criminal prosecution and civil liability for your illegal acts,” the letters state. “We urge you to do the right thing, protect your citizens, and comply with federal law.”
Gov. Walz addresses immigration enforcement
Last month, Gov. Tim Walz shared his perspective on immigration enforcement during an interview with Minnesota Public Radio (MPR). He said that enforcement is primarily a federal responsibility.
“Look, we’re not funded for immigration in this state, that’s not the role of the state of Minnesota,” said Walz. “If Donald Trump is going to ask us to support this, the least he’s going to do is pay for it.”
He argued that governors must try to “shield against” some of the “human harm” and “economic harm” that he claims could result from deporting millions of people.
“I will follow the law and I will be a good partner in making things work,” Walz said. However, he clarified, “I will not though, you know, make people’s lives miserable. And I certainly won’t do things that are against the law or that have not been adjudicated yet.”
AFL launches ‘Sanctuary Strongholds’ website
AFL has since launched an interactive website called “Sanctuary Strongholds,” which provides detailed information about sanctuary jurisdictions and contact details for officials who support these policies.
AFL also stressed the importance of transparency, especially in cases where illegal aliens are responsible for crimes. “The American people have a right to know when illegal aliens perpetrate heinous crimes,” AFL stated, highlighting the need to protect women and children from preventable tragedies.
The AFL’s notice follows comments from Trump’s newly appointed “border czar,” Tom Homan, former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who stated on Fox News that city officials refusing to assist in deporting illegal immigrants could potentially face criminal charges.
“If you knowingly conceal or harbor an illegal alien from a police officer, it is a felony,” he said. “To impede a federal law enforcement officer is a felony, so don’t cross that line. We’ve got a strong [attorney general] coming in, Pam Bondi, and we will present these prosecutions, so you know, don’t test us.”
Alpha News’ inquiries
Alpha News previously reached out to Gov. Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison to ask about their willingness to cooperate with the Trump administration on deportations but did not receive a response.
Previous attempts to gather comments from officials in Jackson and Nobles counties—home to significant immigrant populations working in local meat processing plants—also went unanswered.
Hennepin County, however, did respond to an Alpha News inquiry. A spokesperson stated, “It would be premature to speculate about what changes may occur with the change in federal administration. Hennepin County complies with applicable state and federal laws and regulations and takes care to protect the privacy interests of its clients and residents.”
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.
