A coalition of lawmakers and advocacy group introducing a bill that would make Minnesota a so-called "sanctuary state" with the North STAR Act.
State Representative Sandra Feist (DFL- New Brighton) says the bill essentially prevents local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. Senator Omar Fateh (DFL-Minneapolis) is the bill's sponsor in the Senate.
"The federal government can and will continue to enforce federal immigration laws in Minnesota," says Feist. "This bill simply ensures that it is not the responsibility of the State of Minnesota to perform that role."
Feist says the highly-technical bill is intended to create clarity and ensure state and local resources are not wasted by enforcing "broken" federal immigration laws.
40 other lawmakers have signed onto the bill, which will be introduced in a House committee when the Legislature convenes when the session begins next week.
"There shouldn't be a concern right now, we're still having ongoing conversations about how to better the lives of all Minnesotans," says Senator Fateh. "And that's what it's about. We're not here to win elections, we're here to better the lives and do our jobs."
There's already strong reaction from Republican leaders. House Minority Leader Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring) says now is not the time for this type of bill.
“Minnesotans want a secure border, not to turn our state into a magnet for illegal immigration," Demuth says. "Sanctuary cities in other parts of the country have struggled with the surge in illegal immigration and caused a tremendous strain on housing, education, food shelves, health care, public safety, and other resources. Minnesotans simply do not support this extreme policy, especially at a time when we are seeing chaos at the border.”
Those in favor of the bill say is also ensures immigrants have a chance to contribute to the betterment of Minnesota without fear of deportation. Jesus Garcia Garcia is a PhD student researcher studying cancer.
"My research, funded by NIH grants, is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in understanding these diseases," explains Garcia. "But the uncertainty of my immigration status has always been a cloud over my accomplishments."
Many U.S. cities and counties, including Hennepin County, have already declared themselves sanctuaries. There are now 12 states that have declared sanctuary status. You can see a list of those here.
Governor Tim Walz has said in the past he would support similar laws.