By Senator Michael Kreun (R–Blaine)

At a high level, what we are seeing unfold in Minnesota right now reflects a failure of leadership at multiple levels of government. It also reflects a broader failure to elect leaders who are focused on governing responsibly rather than engaging in perpetual political activism. That problem is not confined to one level of government. It exists locally, at the state level, and federally.

At the local level, particularly in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and some suburbs, elected officials have adopted policies that intentionally prevent cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. These “sanctuary” policies are not accidental. They reflect a clear policy choice to oppose enforcement of existing immigration laws, regardless of the downstream consequences and they make our communities less safe.

At the state level, Minnesota’s Attorney General has issued an opinion that effectively prevents all 87 county sheriffs from honoring ICE detainers. In practical terms, this means that individuals who are in the country illegally and commit crimes in Minnesota are released back into the community, rather than being transferred to federal custody for immigration proceedings. Whether one supports stricter or looser immigration laws, this outcome defies common sense and undermines public confidence in the system.

At the federal level, Congress bears significant responsibility as well. For decades, Congress has failed to enact a coherent and durable immigration framework. Instead of collaboration and compromise, too often we have seen ideological gridlock and political posturing. The result is a broken immigration system that encourages illegal immigration and leaves states and local governments caught in the middle.

The Biden Administration further compounded this failure. Best estimates indicate that between 3 and 4 million individuals entered and remained in the country unlawfully during that administration, leaving the federal government with limited clarity about who is here and where. That reality has consequences, and we are now seeing them play out.

Today, we have a president who campaigned on enforcing immigration laws and is now using Minnesota as a test case for what happens when a state refuses to cooperate with federal enforcement efforts. While increased enforcement is warranted, how that enforcement is done matters. Current enforcement operations occurring in Minnesota lack transparency and are employing tactics that many Minnesotans find deeply troubling. Based on what I have been able to learn from local law enforcement officials, there are serious concerns that some of these actions have crossed constitutional lines in certain circumstances, which cannot be accepted. It is messy, uncomfortable, and overwhelming.

Against this backdrop, Governor Walz and Mayor Frey, and other local leaders, are contributing to the chaos. Instead of working to lower the temperature, they have actively encouraged more confrontation with members of federal law enforcement. The Dept. of Homeland Security says assaults against federal law enforcement agents is up 1,300%. Anti-ICE agitators have even disrupted a church service, which is a violation of state and federal law. The escalation of rhetoric has continued and isn’t helping anyone.

So where does this leave us?

The Minnesota Legislature does not control federal immigration law nor enforcement tactics, but we are not powerless. Federal administration officials have publicly stated that if Minnesota began honoring ICE detainers, the current surge-style enforcement operations would stop. That is where the Legislature should begin.

We need clear statutes that require cooperation between state and local authorities and federal immigration enforcement, within well-defined constitutional boundaries. Doing so would reduce the need for disruptive street-level enforcement and ensure that immigration laws are carried out in a way that is effective, professional, humane, and consistent with the Constitution.

This will require serious, level-headed legislators working across party lines. It will require governing, not grandstanding.

Rather than arguing online, I am on the phone with law enforcement representatives, county attorneys and others trying to understand our current system, what is happening on the streets, and how I can help.

I have consistently demonstrated that I am committed to collaboration, responsible policymaking, and practical solutions. I intend to be a key part of building a more effective, professional, lawful, and humane approach that serves the interests of my constituents and all Minnesotans.