In a departure from Minnesota’s prevailing stance on immigration, five county sheriff’s departments – Cass, Crow Wing, Freeborn, Itasca, and Jackson – have established collaborative partnerships with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These agreements, formalized since the presidency of Donald Trump, represent a significant shift in approach within a state known for its widespread sanctuary policies.
These arrangements, officially termed “287g agreements,” grant ICE certain delegated authorities to local law enforcement, facilitating enhanced cooperation in immigration-related matters. This collaboration manifests through several programs:
- Identifying and Processing Detainees: Focusing on individuals already held in county custody who are potentially eligible for deportation.
- Task Force Model: Leveraging local agencies to amplify ICE’s operational capabilities, effectively acting as a “force multiplier.”
Under the agreements, select officers will also receive 40-hour training provided by ICE. Participating counties are obligated to maintain consistent communication with their designated ICE field office during any immigration enforcement activity.
This development occurs in a state where sanctuary policies—limiting cooperation between local jurisdictions and federal immigration authorities—are common. According to data from the Center for Immigration Studies, twelve Minnesota counties have already enacted rules restricting collaboration with ICE.
With these five new partnerships, Minnesota now has seven county sheriff’s offices participating in 287g agreements, adding to the existing collaborations of Sherburne and Kandiyohi counties.
The implementation of these agreements has already resulted in a noticeable increase in immigrant detentions. A deputy from Freeborn County confirmed a “definite” uptick in individuals held for immigration-related reasons since their county joined the program.
Despite this increased enforcement, the program faces scrutiny. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office has expressed concerns regarding potential downsides, stating:
“While 287g agreements are sometimes presented as a means of removing dangerous offenders from the streets, research indicates that numerous individuals apprehended through these programs have been charged with only minor offenses or traffic violations.”
The shift in policy and its consequences continue to be observed across Minnesota, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding immigration enforcement at the local level.
