The Justice Department has initiated a lawsuit against Minnesota regarding a sanctuary policy which, according to the Trump administration, impacts federal efforts to enforce immigration laws. The lawsuit, filed on Monday, targets officials from the cities of Minnesota, Hennepin County, Sheriff Dawana S. Witt, and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, as well as the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
The complaint asserts that these sanctuary policies violate federal law and contribute to the release of potentially dangerous offenders—specifically illegal immigrants who have been convicted of serious crimes. Attorney General Pamela Bondy commented, saying, “Minnesota officials are putting the safety of their own citizens at risk by enabling illegal foreigners to avoid the legal process.” She emphasized that the Department of Justice will pursue further legal action against jurisdictions that disregard federal regulations.
St. Paul has described the lawsuit as an attack on its “long-standing separation ordinances,” which are intended to enhance public safety and foster community trust. Mayor Melvin Carter stated, “City employees don’t work for the president. We work for the people who live here. We stand with our immigrant and refugee neighbors,” expressing confidence in their previous legal victories against federal claims.
This filing from Monday followed a previous announcement by the Attorney General listing sanctuary jurisdictions, including Minnesota, alongside cities like Boston, New York City, and Los Angeles.
