Senator Torrey Westrom (R-Alexandria) recently introduced legislation, SF 5096, with multiple co-authors, to prohibit Minnesota’s hardworking taxpayer dollars from being used to aid cities or counties with “sanctuary status” for illegal immigrants.

If this legislation becomes law, sanctuary cities and counties will be ineligible for all state aid, state grants, local government aid, county program aid, and, if allowed, all federal aid and grants. Some communities in Minnesota with “sanctuary” status include Hennepin and Ramsey counties.

Sen. Westrom released the following statement on SF 5096:

“The crisis at the southern border is not an abstract idea that is only happening elsewhere. This is an issue that continues to cost and affect Minnesotans as well, and unfortunately, the Democrats trifecta in charge won’t do anything to stop this. 

 “In fact, Democrats passed new laws in 2023 requiring taxpayers to fund free college, health care, and welfare for illegal immigrants. This has made Minnesota even a bigger magnet that promotes more illegal immigration. 

“My proposal simply stops your taxpayer dollars from going to local units of government if they choose to adopt ‘sanctuary’ status. Minnesota should take care of our residents and citizens first. It is wrong to prioritize state tax dollars for those who violate immigration laws and come here unvetted from another country.”

During the 2024 session, Sen. Westrom also signed onto legislation that would block local governments from passing blanket “sanctuary city” ordinances.