US Homeland Security IDs 20 Minnesota counties, 2 cities, as 'sanctuary jurisdictions'

Mayor Frey: Mpls a 'safe haven' for undocumented immigrants

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey spoke at a town hall hosted by Ilhan Omar Thursday night, during which he said the city will continue to be a "safe haven" for undocumented immigrants and the transgender community.

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is demanding that cities and counties it deems "sanctuary jurisdictions" comply with federal law and cease obstruction of immigration enforcement.

DHS published a list of jurisdictions, which includes 20 Minnesota counties and two Minnesota cities, that will get "formal notification" regarding "non-compliance with Federal Statutes," according to a news release from the agency shared on Thursday night. 

Minnesota 'Sanctuary jurisdictions'

Local perspective:

DHS listed 20 Minnesota counties and two Minnesota cities it says are practicing policies that contradict federal immigration laws.

The Minnesota "sanctuary jurisdictions" include the following counties:

• The City of Minneapolis
• The City of St. Paul
• Anoka County
• Carver County
• Cottonwood County
• Goodhue County
• Hennepin County
• Le Sueur County
• Lincoln County
• Lyon County
• Martin County
• Nicollet County
• Nobles County
• Otter Tail County
• Pipestone County
• Ramsey County
• Scott County
• Stearns County
• Steele County
• Todd County
• Watonwan County
• Wright County

DHS also identified the state of Minnesota as a whole, for "self-identification as a state sanctuary jurisdiction."

Officials say the list was created based on factors such as "compliance with federal law enforcement, information restrictions, and legal protections for illegal aliens." 

'Sanctuary jurisdictions' on notice

What they're saying:

DHS officials say the latest announcement is part of Executive Order 14287: Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens, which requires the publication of state and local jurisdictions that are actively obstructing federal immigration laws.

"Sanctuary jurisdictions including cities, counties, and states that are deliberately and shamefully obstructing the enforcement of federal immigration laws endangering American communities," DHS said in the announcement. "Sanctuary cities protect dangerous criminal aliens from facing consequences and put law enforcement in peril."

The federal organization also shared a video featuring Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem warning those in the country illegally to leave and download the U.S. Customs and Border Protection app for a chance to return in the future. 

This comes after a federal judge blocked the Trump administration from withholding funds to so-called sanctuary cities in April. 

READ MORE: DHS considers reality show where immigrants compete for US citizenship

The announcement added that the list is subject to can be reviewed and changed at any time and will be updated regularly. 

Stearns County responds 

The other side:

Stearns County Sheriff Steve Soyka said he and other county officials "were surpirsed to see Stearns County" on the list, adding that they were not given any formal explanation.

"Stearns County has maintained a clear and consistent approach to working and communicating with ICE and following federal requirements," the sheriff said in a news release. "What we currently do in our jail is what we have done for the past 20 years with no issues. We have always notified ICE when required. We have not received any complaints or heard of any issues from local ICE officials—in fact, during their last visit, they complimented our staff on how we handle these matters."

Without any formal notification from DHS, Stearns County said it will continue to operate under its current procedures, which it says have historically been in alignment with ICE expectations.