Minnesota Corrections Department Launches Website to Counter Federal Immigration Claims

The Minnesota Department of Corrections has unveiled a new website specifically designed to address what it describes as “misinformation” from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the state.

The initiative comes amid growing tensions between state and federal authorities over immigration enforcement policies. The new webpage aims to clarify the relationship between Minnesota’s correctional system and federal immigration agencies, providing factual information about arrest procedures, custody transfers, and interagency coordination.

“We believe Minnesotans deserve accurate information about how our corrections system interacts with federal immigration enforcement,” said Minnesota Department of Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell in a recent interview. “This website serves as a resource for the public to understand the actual policies and practices in place.”

The website addresses several key points of contention between state and federal authorities, including the circumstances under which the state notifies ICE about individuals in custody, the legal framework governing such notifications, and statistics about custody transfers that have occurred in recent years.

Immigration enforcement has become an increasingly contentious issue across the country, with some states adopting sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, while others work more closely with ICE. Minnesota’s approach has evolved over time, reflecting changes in both state leadership and federal immigration priorities.

Law enforcement experts note that the public dispute between state corrections officials and federal homeland security authorities highlights the complex federalism issues at play in immigration enforcement. States maintain primary control over their criminal justice systems, while immigration enforcement remains primarily a federal responsibility.

“When these jurisdictions disagree about priorities or procedures, it creates confusion for the public and potentially for those working within these systems,” explained Dr. Maria Hernandez, a criminal justice professor at the University of Minnesota. “This kind of public clarification serves an important function, though it also signals significant policy disagreements.”

The corrections department’s website provides detailed explanations of current protocols, including when and how the state notifies federal authorities about individuals who may be subject to immigration proceedings. It also addresses misconceptions about the department’s legal obligations under both state and federal law.

Commissioner Schnell emphasized that the website is not intended to be political but rather aims to provide transparency. “Our goal is simply to ensure that discussions about these important public safety matters are grounded in facts, not mischaracterizations,” he said.

The dispute highlights broader national debates over immigration enforcement that have intensified in recent years. Critics of aggressive federal immigration enforcement argue that entanglement between local criminal justice systems and immigration authorities can undermine community trust in law enforcement, while supporters maintain that cooperation between agencies is essential for public safety.

Minnesota’s approach reflects the balancing act many states are attempting—acknowledging federal authority while also maintaining some independence in how state resources are utilized in relation to immigration enforcement.

The timing of the website launch comes as several states have taken varying positions on cooperation with ICE, ranging from full partnership to significant limitations on information sharing and transfers of custody.

Immigrant advocacy organizations in Minnesota have welcomed the corrections department’s effort to clarify policies. “Transparent information helps immigrant communities understand their rights and reduces fear,” said Elena Gutierrez of the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Coalition. “When misinformation circulates, it can have devastating consequences for families.”

The Department of Homeland Security has not yet issued a formal response to Minnesota’s new initiative, though federal officials have previously criticized states that they perceive as limiting cooperation with immigration enforcement efforts.

State officials indicated that the website will be regularly updated as policies evolve or as new issues arise requiring clarification.