ICE in MN: Department of Corrections shows video disputing DHS account of arrests, ICE detainers

MN Department of Corrections addresses ICE detainers

The Minnesota Department of Corrections held a news conference to address what it says is "persistent misinformation being shared by the Department of Homeland Security regarding ICE detainers in Minnesota."

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) said the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is mischaracterizing how local authorities respond to ICE detainers, sharing video that shows a coordinated transfer of an inmate into ICE custody. 

READ MORE: Is Minnesota cooperating with ICE? What we know

Minnesota's cooperation with immigration enforcement

JD Vance talks federal communication with local law enforcement

Vice President JD Vance spoke Thursday in Minneapolis about making sure there's good communication between federal agents and local law enforcement to ensure ICE can do its job safely, and protesters can exercise their rights peacefully.

Big picture view:

The DOC said it took the "unprecedented step" of sharing surveillance footage that reportedly showed the transfer of two men into ICE custody. 

This footage was taken on Jan. 12. The next day, the Department of Homeland Security shared a news release saying the two men, Meng Khong Yang and Joshua Fornoh, were arrested during Operation Metro Surge.

DOC Commissioner Paul Schnell took issue with this assertion, saying the two men were never released to the public and that the transfer was conducted in a secure, controlled setting with ICE coordination.

What they're saying:

The DOC said the aforementioned transfer was an example of a "routine process that occurs in every single case involving ICE detainers."

Commissioner Schnell shared the following statement:

"It is disturbing that DHS continues to issue inaccurate statements that erode public trust. We will not allow misinformation to go unchecked—especially when it threatens the integrity of public safety agencies and undermines transparency."

Is Minnesota cooperating with ICE? Here's what we know

The Trump Administration has repeatedly said thousands of ICE agents were deployed to Minnesota because the state refuses to cooperate with federal authorities. FOX 9's Corin Hoggard has more on how local authorities assist ICE in making their arrests. 

President Trump and others in his administration previously claimed that the thousands of ICE agents deployed to Minnesota are in response to a lack of cooperation with law enforcement.

Data discrepancies 

By the numbers:

DOC officials also pointed out data discrepancies in the numbers released by DHS.

State records show there are 94 individuals with ICE detainers in county custody, along with 207 in state prisons.

Meanwhile, the DHS claims there are about 1,360 reportable criminals in Minnesota prison custody. 

Commissioner Schnell said his team reached out to federal officials to "square up these numbers" but has not yet heard back.

FOX 9 has reached out to DHS for a response and will update this story if one is received.