Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison Denies Agreement with ICE on Jail Notifications
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison firmly denied claims made by border czar Tom Homan regarding a new agreement between the state and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to notify federal authorities when county jails release certain inmates. Earlier this week, Homan asserted that Ellison had agreed to a cooperation arrangement requiring county sheriffs to alert ICE when violent illegal aliens were released from custody. Ellison’s office swiftly refuted those allegations, emphasizing that no such deal was made or authorized.
“I did not make, and could not have made, any agreement with him about how sheriffs share with ICE information about people in their county jails,” Ellison said in a public statement on Thursday. The attorney general clarified that Minnesota law mandates state prisons—not county jails—to notify federal authorities when individuals without legal status are convicted of felonies. County jails, which are independently operated by local sheriffs and counties, retain discretion over whether to cooperate with ICE detainer requests or release notifications.
This distinction is significant given the federal government’s ongoing efforts to enhance immigration enforcement at the local level. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has long sought partnerships with local law enforcement to identify and detain undocumented immigrants convicted of crimes, but such collaborations have faced resistance in sanctuary jurisdictions.
Tom Homan, a former ICE acting director appointed as a border czar, has been vocal about increasing cooperation between federal immigration authorities and local law enforcement agencies. His recent statements suggested a breakthrough in Minnesota, a state that has generally resisted ICE’s requests for inmate notifications. However, Ellison’s denial underscores the complex and often contentious relationship between state and federal authorities on immigration enforcement.
County jails operate independently from the state prison system, and sheriffs in Minnesota have varied policies regarding ICE cooperation. Some counties voluntarily notify ICE about the release of certain inmates, while others reject detainer requests, citing legal and ethical concerns. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees ICE, has encouraged localities to cooperate but has faced pushback in states with sanctuary policies.
Ellison’s office highlighted that Minnesota law requires state prisons to notify federal authorities only when a person without legal status is convicted of a felony, not merely detained or held in county jails. This legal framework limits ICE’s access to information about detainees in county facilities. The attorney general’s statement comes amid heightened national debate over immigration enforcement, sanctuary policies, and the role of local law enforcement.
The dispute also follows recent tensions in Minneapolis and other cities, where local leaders have criticized ICE operations as heavy-handed. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has condemned ICE as “bullies” and has warned other leaders that aggressive immigration enforcement could target their cities next.
Legal experts note that while ICE has the authority to issue detainer requests, these are not legally binding, and local jurisdictions may decline to comply. The American Civil Liberties Union and other advocacy groups argue that cooperation with ICE can undermine trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement, potentially hindering public safety.
As the 2026 midterm elections approach, immigration remains a hot-button issue, with federal officials pushing for stricter enforcement and some states and cities resisting. The conflicting statements from Homan and Ellison highlight the ongoing struggle over immigration policy implementation at the local level.
For now, Minnesota’s stance appears unchanged: county jails will continue to decide independently whether to cooperate with ICE, and no statewide agreement obligates sheriffs to notify federal immigration authorities upon inmate release. Observers will be watching closely to see if federal officials attempt to pressure local jurisdictions or if Minnesota maintains its current approach.
More information on ICE’s policies and local cooperation can be found on the ICE official website and the Department of Homeland Security’s immigration enforcement page.
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