U.S. Department of Justice Sues Minnesota Over Immigration Sanctuary Policies

Wed Oct 22 2025 14:13:03 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A lawsuit has been filed against Minnesota, its major cities, and a county for sanctuary policies that allegedly hinder federal immigration enforcement, with state officials standing firm.

The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated a lawsuit against Minnesota, Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Hennepin County, claiming their sanctuary policies are obstructing federal immigration enforcement. The lawsuit alleges that these local policies lead to the release of individuals who qualify for deportation, thereby jeopardizing public safety. Minnesota officials, including Attorney General Keith Ellison and Mayor Jacob Frey, contend that the state welcomes immigrants and will actively defend against what they characterize as politically motivated actions by the federal government.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against the state of Minnesota, along with its largest cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul, and Hennepin County, alleging that their sanctuary policies hinder federal immigration enforcement.

Filed on Monday, the lawsuit claims that such policies contribute to the release of potentially dangerous criminals from custody who would otherwise face deportation. The DOJ aims to invalidate state and local laws that impede immigration enforcement.

Attorney General Pam Bondi criticized the policies, stating, Minnesota officials are jeopardizing the safety of their own citizens by allowing illegal aliens to circumvent the legal process.

This lawsuit is part of a broader trend under the Trump administration, which has targeted several states and cities, including Colorado and New York, for similar policies.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison responded, asserting that the state does not prevent cooperation between local law enforcement and federal authorities in prosecuting dangerous individuals.

Ellison branded the lawsuit as a baseless political retaliation and expressed intent to respond in court.

The lawsuit specifically cites an advisory opinion issued by Ellison in February, which suggested that there is no legal justification for state or local authorities to hold individuals based solely on immigration detainers when they would otherwise be released. Some local jurisdictions have used this opinion to limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey expressed firm support for immigrant and refugee populations, stating that his city proudly welcomes them and will not conform to the federal lawsuit's demands.

Governor Tim Walz also maintains that Minnesota is not a sanctuary state but acknowledges that some of its cities, including Minneapolis and St. Paul, have policies that limit collaboration with immigration enforcement officials.

As tensions rise, Minnesota stands among numerous jurisdictions listed earlier this year by the Department of Homeland Security as defying federal immigration law. The controversy continues as both sides prepare for a potential legal battle over the state and local immigration policies.