The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit Monday against the state of Minnesota, the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Hennepin County, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna S. Witt, alleging that their sanctuary policies obstruct federal immigration enforcement.
According to the complaint, the jurisdictions’ refusal to cooperate with federal immigration authorities has led to the release of individuals who would otherwise be detained and removed, including illegal immigrants convicted of crimes such as aggravated assault, burglary, and drug and human trafficking.
“Minnesota officials are jeopardizing the safety of their own citizens by allowing illegal aliens to circumvent the legal process,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This Department of Justice will continue to bring litigation against any jurisdiction that uses sanctuary policies to defy federal law and undermine law enforcement.”
Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate of the Civil Division called the policies “a blatant violation of the law that carries dangerous consequences,” adding that the division “will continue to vigorously uphold the rule of law by holding sanctuary jurisdictions fully accountable.”
