Listen to the article
Undocumented Population Figures Reveal Stark Differences Between Minnesota and Border States
New statistics on undocumented immigration have sparked political debate as the Department of Homeland Security conducts a major immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota. Data shows Minnesota’s undocumented population is significantly smaller than those in Republican-led states like Texas and Florida, raising questions about enforcement priorities.
According to estimates from the nonpartisan Pew Research Center, approximately 130,000 people without legal immigration status resided in Minnesota as of 2023, representing about 2.2% of the state’s total population. This stands in stark contrast to Texas, with an estimated 2.1 million undocumented immigrants (6.6% of its population), and Florida, with approximately 1.6 million (6.9% of its population).
The timing of the enforcement actions in Minnesota has drawn scrutiny from critics who note the Democratic-leaning state has a relatively small undocumented population compared to Republican-controlled states like Texas and Florida. Some social media users have suggested the Trump administration may be targeting political opponents through selective immigration enforcement.
When contacted about the enforcement operation and state-specific population estimates, DHS did not directly address these questions. Instead, the agency provided a list of individuals apprehended in Minnesota on suspicion of violent crimes and referenced a statement from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that criticized Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, both Democrats, for allegedly refusing “to protect their own people and instead protect criminals.”
Experts emphasize that precise counts of undocumented immigrants are inherently difficult to obtain. Demographers rely primarily on the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) to develop estimates, acknowledging these figures likely represent undercounts since undocumented residents have strong incentives to avoid reporting their status.
The Center for Migration Studies, another respected research organization, published slightly different estimates for 2023, placing Minnesota’s undocumented population at 104,900, Florida’s at 1.025 million, and Texas’s at just over 2.05 million. These variations stem from different methodological approaches to adjusting for census undercounting.
Florida’s undocumented population appears to have grown dramatically in recent years. DHS estimated Florida’s undocumented population at 590,000 in 2022, while Pew’s 2023 figure reached 1.6 million – suggesting the state added approximately 700,000 undocumented residents in just one year. This represents the largest growth of any state according to Pew’s analysis.
The latest DHS report on unauthorized immigration, published in April 2024 with data through 2022, only includes detailed statistics for the ten states with the largest undocumented populations. While Texas and Florida rank second and third respectively (behind California), Minnesota does not appear in this top tier.
These population estimates take on particular significance as immigration continues to be a divisive political issue. The Biden administration had previously acknowledged both Pew Research and the Center for Migration Studies as reliable sources for unauthorized immigrant population estimates, as noted in an April 2024 DHS report.
The recent enforcement actions in Minnesota highlight the complex intersection of immigration policy, political dynamics, and demographic realities. As the debate continues, these population figures provide crucial context for understanding the scale and distribution of undocumented immigration across different states.
While the statistics cited in recent social media posts appear largely accurate based on the most recent available data, it’s important to note they reflect conditions from 2023 rather than current 2026 figures. Updated comprehensive statistics won’t be available for several years due to the time required to collect and analyze census survey data.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
9 Comments
The undocumented population figures are thought-provoking. However, I caution against jumping to conclusions about the reasons behind the enforcement strategies in Minnesota versus border states. There may be more to the story.
The timing of the enforcement actions in Minnesota is certainly raising eyebrows. It will be interesting to see if there are legitimate security or logistical reasons behind the focus, or if there are indeed political motivations at play.
The population differences between Minnesota and border states like Texas and Florida are notable. But immigration enforcement priorities are complex and likely involve many factors beyond just raw numbers.
This data raises some thought-provoking questions about how immigration enforcement resources are allocated. I wonder what other demographic and economic factors may be influencing the strategies in each state.
These statistics provide helpful context, but immigration is a complex issue with many layers. I hope policymakers approach this topic with care, nuance and a focus on practical solutions rather than partisan agendas.
Interesting data on undocumented immigration trends across states. It’s important to look at the full context and nuance behind these figures before jumping to conclusions.
While the statistics show clear differences, I think it’s important to avoid overly partisan interpretations. Immigration is a complex issue and reasonable people can disagree on the best approaches.
Well said. Nuance and objectivity are so important when discussing sensitive topics like immigration.
The contrasts in undocumented populations across these states are quite stark. I wonder what factors – economic, demographic, political – contribute to these differences and the resulting enforcement approaches.