DOJ Sues Minnesota Over Sanctuary Policies

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is suing Minnesota for sanctuary policies that shield criminal illegal aliens, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Monday.

The lawsuit names the state, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Hennepin County, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna S. Witt.

DOJ Claims Sanctuary Policies Endanger Communities

According to the DOJ, these sanctuary policies obstruct federal efforts to identify and remove dangerous illegal aliens. Officials allegedly refuse to cooperate with federal law enforcement, allowing criminals to remain free.

The press release highlights that this lack of coordination has led to the release of convicted criminals, including aggravated assault, burglary, drug trafficking, and human trafficking offenders, back onto the streets.

Attorney General Bondi said Minnesota officials are “jeopardizing the safety of their own citizens by allowing illegal aliens to circumvent the legal process.” She added:

“This Department of Justice will continue to bring litigation against any jurisdiction that uses sanctuary policies to defy federal law and undermine law enforcement.”

Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate emphasized that shielding illegal aliens is a “blatant violation of the law that carries dangerous consequences.” He vowed:

“The Civil Division will continue to vigorously uphold the rule of law by holding sanctuary jurisdictions fully accountable.”

Minnesota Leaders Push Back

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey responded on social media, showing defiance:

“Minneapolis will not back down. We will fight with all our strength for our immigrant neighbors, and like every time we’ve faced Donald Trump in court, we will win.”

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter echoed the sentiment, asserting his city “will stand with our immigrant and refugee neighbors no matter how many unconstitutional claims the White House makes.” He noted the cities’ previous legal successes and promised a third victory against the federal government.

Critics point out that the mayors’ statements ignore serious crimes committed by criminal illegal aliens, including sexual offenses against children, which federal authorities have cited as justification for stronger enforcement.