Minneapolis City Council Doubles Down on Sanctuary Policies

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wed, Apr 4st, 2026 by The Raw Story
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Minneapolis, MN - April 1st, 2026 - The Minneapolis City Council doubled down on its commitment to sanctuary city principles yesterday, voting 8-6 to enact a sweeping ordinance further limiting cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The decision, made despite explicit threats of legal action from Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tension between local and federal immigration enforcement policies.

The newly passed ordinance dramatically strengthens existing policies aimed at protecting undocumented immigrants within the city limits. While previous measures offered some safeguards, this new law establishes a firm barrier against almost all forms of direct collaboration between the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) and ICE. Specifically, MPD officers are now prohibited from transferring any individual into ICE custody unless a valid judicial warrant - issued by a judge, not simply a detainer request - is presented, or the individual is already lawfully detained on unrelated criminal charges.

This effectively eliminates the practice of "curbside transfers," where ICE agents previously relied on MPD officers to hand over individuals flagged as potential immigration violators directly to federal custody. Advocates argue that these transfers often bypass due process and contribute to the separation of families.

"For years, our community has lived under the shadow of fear, fearing that any interaction with law enforcement could lead to deportation," stated Maria Rodriguez, Executive Director of the Immigrant Rights Action Center of Minnesota, following the vote. "This ordinance isn't just about legal protections; it's about fostering a climate of trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. When people feel safe, they are more likely to report crimes and cooperate with investigations, benefiting everyone."

However, the ordinance isn't without its detractors. Attorney General Ellison wasted no time reiterating his strong opposition, issuing a statement labeling the ordinance "unlawful and a clear violation of both state and federal law." He specifically cited concerns regarding the potential interference with federal immigration enforcement priorities and the impact on public safety. Ellison's office has indicated it is actively preparing to file a lawsuit challenging the ordinance's legality, potentially triggering a protracted legal battle.

The debate within the City Council was fierce. Council Member Lisa Goodman, a vocal opponent, expressed apprehension about the financial implications of a potential lawsuit. "We are already facing significant budget constraints," she argued. "Adding a costly legal fight on top of everything else is irresponsible. We need to consider the potential liability the city could face, and the impact on essential services." Goodman also highlighted concerns raised by some law enforcement officials who fear the ordinance could hinder investigations into serious crimes.

Conversely, supporters framed the vote as a moral imperative. Council Member Miguel Uptain passionately defended the ordinance, stating, "This is about more than just legal compliance; it's about upholding our city's values of inclusivity and respect for human dignity. We believe everyone, regardless of immigration status, deserves to live without fear of unjust deportation."

The ordinance builds on a growing national trend of cities and counties adopting policies designed to limit cooperation with ICE. However, the degree of restriction in Minneapolis is particularly strong, placing it at the forefront of the sanctuary city movement. Several other cities, including San Francisco and New York City, have faced legal challenges from the federal government over similar policies. The outcomes of those cases will likely influence the proceedings in Minnesota.

The immediate impact of the ordinance remains to be seen. ICE has yet to issue a formal response, but agency officials have previously stated they will pursue all available legal avenues to enforce federal immigration laws. Legal experts predict the case will likely center on the concept of federal preemption - the idea that federal law takes precedence over state and local laws when the two conflict. The courts will need to determine whether the Minneapolis ordinance unduly obstructs federal immigration enforcement efforts.

The ordinance is currently slated to take effect immediately, setting the stage for a potential showdown between the city and the state attorney general in the coming weeks.