Fact Check: Number of ICE Detainers for Minnesota Inmates Under Scrutiny

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s claims regarding the number of immigrant detainers in Minnesota’s correctional system have been called into question following an investigation by FOX 9 reporter Corin Hoggard.

Federal officials have repeatedly asserted that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has active detainers for more than 1,360 individuals currently held in Minnesota correctional facilities. However, Hoggard’s investigation reveals a significant discrepancy, finding that the actual number of noncitizens in Minnesota jails is approximately 300—less than a quarter of the federal government’s claim.

ICE detainers are requests issued by federal immigration authorities to state or local law enforcement agencies, asking them to hold individuals suspected of immigration violations for an additional 48 hours beyond their scheduled release. This allows ICE agents time to take custody of the person for potential deportation proceedings.

The stark contrast between federal claims and on-the-ground reality raises concerns about the accuracy of DHS data being used to inform immigration enforcement policies and public statements. This discrepancy emerges at a time when immigration remains a highly contentious political issue nationwide, with heated debates about enforcement priorities and resource allocation.

Minnesota has experienced changing demographics in recent decades, becoming home to significant immigrant populations from Somalia, Hmong communities, and Latin America. The state has several detention facilities that occasionally house individuals with immigration violations alongside those serving time for criminal offenses.

Law enforcement sources familiar with the situation suggest several possible explanations for the numerical disparity. One theory points to potential double-counting in federal databases, where a single individual might have multiple detainers filed. Another possibility involves outdated records that haven’t been purged after detainees were released, transferred, or deported.

County sheriffs across Minnesota, who oversee most local detention facilities, have expressed frustration with what they characterize as conflicting directives from federal authorities. Several county officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated they’ve struggled to reconcile federal detainer requests with limited jail capacity and local priorities.

Immigration advocates in the state have long criticized the use of detainers, arguing they can lead to prolonged detention and separation of families for civil immigration violations. The Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee has previously called for greater transparency in how these detainers are issued and executed.

State correctional officials declined to comment specifically on the numerical discrepancy but confirmed they cooperate with federal authorities while operating within the boundaries of state law regarding detention responsibilities.

The inflated figures from DHS could have significant policy implications, potentially distorting the perceived scale of immigration enforcement needs in the region. Immigration policy experts note that accurate data is crucial for proper resource allocation and for maintaining public trust in government institutions.

This is not the first time federal immigration enforcement statistics have faced scrutiny. Similar discrepancies have been identified in other states, including California and Texas, where independent analyses found substantial differences between federally reported numbers and state records.

The Department of Homeland Security has not yet responded to requests for comment on the investigation’s findings. ICE regional officials indicated they would review their detainer database for potential inaccuracies but defended their overall approach to immigration enforcement as necessary for public safety.

As political debates about immigration continue at national and state levels, accurate data remains essential for informed policy decisions. The significant gap between claimed and actual detainer numbers in Minnesota highlights the challenges of coordinating between different levels of government on complex immigration enforcement matters.

State lawmakers have indicated they may seek clarification from federal officials about the discrepancy, particularly as Minnesota continues to evaluate its own policies regarding cooperation with federal immigration authorities.