As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office on Jan. 20, his plans for mass deportations—starting with illegal immigrant criminals—have drawn a variety of responses across Minnesota.
In a recent interview with Minnesota Public Radio (MPR), Gov. Tim Walz said immigration enforcement is not the state’s role and should instead be handled at the federal level.
“Look, we’re not funded for immigration in this state, that’s not the role of the state of Minnesota,” said Gov. Walz. “If Donald Trump is going to ask us to support this, the least he’s going to do is pay for it.”
During the interview, Walz expressed his support for legal immigration and said Americans want to see the immigration issue solved. Walz also said governors need to try to “shield against” some of the “human harm” and “economic harm” that he claims will come with deporting millions of people.
The governor did not appear entirely opposed to working with the federal government, though, saying, “I will follow the law and I will be a good partner in making things work.”
However, the governor added, “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.”
U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar recently appeared on CNN, saying that Democrats plan to rely on governors and attorneys general to resist Trump’s immigration policies.
Omar highlighted Minnesota counties that do not cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), stating, “We have to find ways to implement programs, and carry out protections, and boost advocacy, and fight like we’ve never fought before to make sure our communities remain safe and stable.”
Rep. Ilhan Omar says Democrats plan to use governors, AGs to "resist" Trump's immigration agenda, touts Minnesota counties that don't cooperate with immigration enforcement pic.twitter.com/rVVrZuZv5Q
— Alpha News (@AlphaNewsMN) December 10, 2024
Alpha News reached out to several Minnesota agencies to ask if they plan to cooperate with Trump’s administration on deportations and work with ICE to enforce federal immigration laws.
City of Minneapolis
“The City of Minneapolis is a welcoming city, one that fosters inclusivity, respect, and safety for all, regardless of immigration status,” stated Michelle Rivero, director of the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, in response to questions about cooperating with Trump’s deportation policies.
“We work to connect our neighbors and residents with services and opportunities so that all can find a sense of belonging and achieve their highest potential. This is and will remain our goal and commitment,” Rivero added in the statement.
Hennepin County
In 2021, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office announced that it would no longer honor federal immigration detainer warrants for illegal immigrants in the sheriff’s custody.
This meant that the sheriff’s office would no longer cooperate with ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) when the pair of federal agencies sought to apprehend individuals for being in the country illegally.
Alpha News asked the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office if that policy is still active. The agency was also asked if it intends to resume cooperation with ICE when President-elect Trump takes office. However, the agency did not respond to a media inquiry.
Speaking on behalf of the county and not the sheriff’s office, a spokesperson for Hennepin County did respond to an Alpha News media inquiry.
“It would be premature to speculate about what changes may occur with the change in federal administration,” said the spokesperson. “Hennepin County complies with applicable state and federal laws and regulations and takes care to protect the privacy interests of its clients and residents.”
Migrant shelters in the Twin Cities metro
In March, Alpha News reported that Hennepin County was sheltering over 1,400 individuals in various hotels across the county. Of the 1,400 reported at the time, more than 50% were estimated by the county to be “new arrivals.”
The county’s shelter budget increased from $9.5 million in 2023 to $22.5 million in 2024 to meet the growing demand.
Earlier this year, Alpha News visited multiple shelter sites across the Twin Cities metro to speak with migrants and hotel staff. At the La Quinta Inn and Suites in Brooklyn Park, 40 to 50 rooms were rented for several months, according to the hotel manager, who confirmed Hennepin County is covering the costs.
Another hotel, the Red Roof Inn in Plymouth, housed migrants under county arrangements. Staff at both hotels noted they had limited information about those sheltered at the hotel.
In September, Alpha News visited the intersection of First Avenue and Lake Street in Minneapolis where dozens of immigrants gathered in search of day labor opportunities.
“The state puts us up in a shelter where they give us everything—coffee, lunch, a snack, three meals—and they fix us up a room with all the comforts,” stated one day laborer.
Another added, “Minnesota is the best state. There are jobs, although not a lot, but enough to survive.”
Immigration impacts on schools and courts
The influx of migrants has also affected other systems. Minneapolis Public Schools reported enrolling approximately 2,500 Spanish-speaking students in 2023, most of whom are new arrivals.
Meanwhile, Minnesota’s immigration court in Bloomington had a backlog of over 32,000 cases in January of this year, a record high at the time.
Minneapolis police will focus on violent crime, not immigration enforcement
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara addressed the complexities of balancing public safety with immigration enforcement during a recent radio interview.
O’Hara did not commit to working with federal authorities on deportations, but said his goal was to get violent criminals off the streets whether they are documented or not. The police chief also noted that his department does not enforce civil immigration laws.
“We need everyone that lives here to feel safe and comfortable with calling us when they need help,” O’Hara said.
Minneapolis @MplsPDChief O'Hara was interviewed at the Geriatric Neighbor last week & avoided committing to cooperating with ICE in removing illegal aliens from Minneapolis under the new incoming federal administration. He went on further to try & say that's not MPD's function. pic.twitter.com/1cn7Xp7J3t
— CrimeWatchMpls (@CrimeWatchMpls) December 9, 2024
Gov. Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison did not respond to Alpha News’ inquiries about cooperating with Trump’s administration on deportations.
Alpha News also contacted officials in Jackson and Nobles counties—areas with significant immigrant populations employed in local meat processing plants—but did not receive a response.
Tom Homan, Trump’s incoming “border czar,” has threatened prosecution of officials who actively impede immigration enforcement.
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.
