DOJ sues Minnesota on grounds that its 'sanctuary policies' hinder immigration enforcement

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a lawsuit against the state of Minnesota and several of its local jurisdictions for implementing "sanctuary policies" that the federal government says interfere with efforts to enforce immigration laws.

The legal action, announced Monday by Attorney General Pam Bondi, seeks to compel these entities to cooperate with federal authorities in identifying and deporting undocumented immigrants, especially those with criminal records.

The lawsuit specifically names the state of Minnesota, the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Hennepin County, as well as state Attorney General Keith Ellison and Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna S. Witt.

According to the DOJ, these policies limit information sharing with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and restrict immigration status inquiries, which has resulted in the release of individuals who would otherwise face deportation.

In the official statement, the DOJ argues that "refusal to cooperate with federal immigration authorities results in the release of dangerous criminals from police custody who would otherwise be subject to removal, including illegal aliens convicted of aggravated assault, burglary, and drug and human trafficking, onto the streets.”

Trump administration insists on prioritizing public safety

Bondi, in her first public statement on the case, emphasized the priority of public safety: "Minnesota officials are jeopardizing the safety of their own citizens by allowing illegal aliens to circumvent the legal process.”

She further added, “this Department of Justice will continue to bring litigation against any jurisdiction that uses sanctuary policies to defy federal law and undermine law enforcement.”

For his part, Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate, of the DOD's Civil Division, described these practices as a “blatant violation of the law that carries dangerous consequences.” He further stressed that “the Civil Division will continue to vigorously uphold the rule of law by holding sanctuary jurisdictions fully accountable.”