Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to standardize and enhance cooperation with federal immigration enforcement agencies across Minnesota. It seeks to prohibit local government entities from enacting policies that prevent communication or cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Main Provisions

• Prohibition on Noncooperation Policies: The bill forbids any government or responsible authority in Minnesota from creating policies that restrict government entities or public employees from sharing information with federal immigration agencies or officers. This includes sending, receiving, maintaining, or exchanging information regarding the immigration status of individuals.

• Use of Immigration-Related Data: Public employees are specifically allowed to send, request, receive, maintain, and exchange immigration status data with federal agencies for the purpose of aiding in federal immigration law enforcement.

• Notification Requirement: County attorneys are required to notify federal immigration authorities when an undocumented person is arrested for a violent crime. This is intended to ensure federal authorities are aware of such cases and can take necessary action.

• Oversight and Enforcement: The bill allows the attorney general or county attorneys to investigate any suspected noncompliance with the above provisions. They have the authority to apply to district courts for orders to compel such compliance.

Significant Changes

The proposed bill introduces new sections into the Minnesota Statutes that effectively override any existing local or state policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. This centralizes and mandates collaboration between local and federal authorities regarding immigration matters, affecting the autonomy of local governments in handling immigration-related issues.

Relevant Terms

• Immigration enforcement
• Federal immigration agencies
• Information sharing
• Noncooperation ordinances
• County attorneys
• Undocumented individuals
• Violent crime
• Attorney General
• District Court