Five Minnesota Sheriffs Sign Agreements with ICE for Immigration Enforcement

Five sheriff's departments in Minnesota—Cass, Crow Wing, Freeborn, Itasca, and Jackson Counties—have entered into agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to assist in identifying and arresting undocumented immigrants, under the 287(g) program. This program allows local law enforcement to perform certain immigration enforcement duties, a shift from the previous administration's policies. The agreements come in the context of President Trump’s broader immigration enforcement strategy aimed at deporting individuals with criminal histories. Local attorneys have raised concerns about the implications for residents, noting that these agreements grant officers increased authority to question detainees and potentially report individuals to ICE during routine interactions. With over 400 similar agreements signed nationwide, this trend marks a significant expansion of local involvement in federal immigration enforcement. The ongoing changes reflect a growing debate over the role of local law enforcement in immigration issues.