Minnesota Corrections Partners with ICE, Vance Confirms

During a recent visit to Minnesota, Vice President JD Vance confirmed that the state’s Department of Corrections is collaborating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This cooperation aligns with requests made by federal officials to manage undocumented immigrants involved in crime.

Minnesota Corrections Partners with ICE

In a news conference, Vance expressed a moderate view of the Department of Corrections. “If I was going to list the five agencies locally and statewide I’m most worried about, I wouldn’t put the Department of Corrections on that list,” he stated. This perspective was shared amidst broader discussions on public safety and immigration enforcement in Minneapolis.

Federal Officials Call for Cooperation

Vance urged local leaders to work together to address the challenges in Minneapolis. He emphasized the potential benefits of collaboration between state and federal agencies. “What we can do is work with state and local officials to make the worst moments of chaos much less common,” he remarked.

Echoing Vance’s comments, Marcus Charles, head of ICE’s deportation branch, reiterated the need for local authorities to comply with immigration detainers. “Please honor our immigration detainers that we’ve lodged against criminal illegal aliens in Minnesota,” Charles stated. His call to action came during a separate news conference where he detailed the ongoing efforts to manage criminal undocumented immigrants.

Operational Coordination

• Commissioner Paul Schnell of the Minnesota Department of Corrections confirmed ongoing collaboration with ICE.
• Coordination occurs several weeks before an inmate’s release date, ensuring proper processes are followed.
• Local ICE offices are notified prior to the release of undocumented individuals from state facilities.

Despite this cooperation at the state level, Charles pointed out challenges with county officials. “We pick individuals up from the state; it’s the counties that do not honor our detainers,” he explained, indicating a potential gap in enforcement efforts.

As conversations continue, the focus remains on improving communication and strategies among various law enforcement entities in Minnesota. This partnership aims to enhance public safety while addressing immigration issues systematically.