In a letter sent earlier this week, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz pushed back against U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi’s demand that Minnesota abandon sanctuary policies for illegal immigrants.
“You are hereby notified that your jurisdiction has been identified as one that engages in
sanctuary policies and practices that thwart federal immigration enforcement to the detriment of the interests of the United States,” Bondi wrote in the Aug. 13 letter to Walz.
Bondi directed the governor to “confirm your commitment to complying with federal law” and identify the “immediate initiatives you are taking to eliminate laws, policies, and practices that impede federal immigration enforcement.”
She also cautioned that individuals using official positions to obstruct enforcement of immigration laws “may be subject to criminal charges,” citing statutes on harboring illegal immigrants, conspiracy, and obstruction of federal proceedings.
She included a deadline of Aug. 19 for a response. Walz responded on the day of her deadline, rejecting the Trump administration’s designation of Minnesota as a sanctuary jurisdiction while defending the right of local governments to limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Walz opened his letter by affirming his commitment to complying with federal laws. “You asked that I confirm my commitment to complying with federal law – I do,” he said, according to a copy of the letter obtained by Politico.
He also noted the oaths he took to the U.S. Constitution and the Minnesota Constitution, saying, “I take these oaths seriously, and I will continue to uphold the rule of law in Minnesota.”
Walz then criticized federal enforcement priorities by citing several news stories regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions. “I do not understand why the federal government prioritizes locking up nursing mothers with no criminal record, or deporting U.S. citizen children undergoing cancer treatment, or snatching high school kids off the street while they walk the family’s dog,” he wrote.
One of the stories Walz referenced regarding “U.S. citizen children” has been disputed by ICE, with the agency saying that it gave the illegal immigrant parents the choice to have their children taken with them or left in the U.S. in the custody of a person of their choosing.
Another story regarding the high school student walking a dog is in reference to an arrest in California. DHS has stated that the student in question had overstayed his visa and is in custody pending removal.
Walz also accused the Trump administration of shifting blame for immigration issues.
“Minnesota does not prevent federal officials from doing their work. But the federal government cannot shift the blame for its own failings onto state or local law enforcement,” he wrote, arguing that “Minnesota cooperates with federal immigration authorities in a number of ways.”
“But Minnesota law also respects cities and counties that choose to not dedicate further time, resources, or personnel to coordination with DHS, beyond this state-level minimum. We recognize that fear of deportation can chill effective law enforcement,” he continued.
Various bills signed into law by Gov. Tim Walz provide state benefits to illegal immigrants, including driver’s licenses and free college tuition. Both Minneapolis and St. Paul have “separation ordinances” in place that limit cooperation with ICE.
Walz himself has faced criticism for his rhetoric on immigration enforcement, including a comment he made in which he compared ICE agents to Hitler’s Gestapo. The governor later refused to apologize for the remarks. He also explicitly backed making Minnesota a sanctuary state during his first run for governor.
Hayley Feland
Hayley Feland previously worked as a journalist with The Minnesota Sun, The Wisconsin Daily Star, and The College Fix. She is a Minnesota native with a passion for politics and journalism.
