Hennepin Sheriff Witt Feels “Scapegoated” by Feds, Open to Cooperation

Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt recently expressed concerns about feeling “scapegoated” amid the federal immigration enforcement activities in Minnesota. During an extensive interview, she detailed the implications of these operations on her community and law enforcement relationships.

Concerns Over Federal Actions in Twin Cities

Witt discussed the impact of the Trump administration’s “Operation Metro Surge” on local law enforcement. She highlighted the emotional and physical strain placed on her deputies and the resulting erosion of trust between Minneapolis residents and local law enforcement agencies.

Accusations of Non-Cooperation

Federal officials have accused local Minnesota authorities of failing to cooperate with immigration enforcement. However, Minnesota’s Department of Corrections Commissioner, Paul Schnell, refuted these claims, insisting that local agencies have cooperated with ICE detainers for years. These detainers request local law enforcement to hold individuals for up to 48 hours after their release for federal immigration proceedings.

• Witt emphasized, “We do not do civil or immigration enforcement.”
• She clarified that partnerships with federal agencies exist for criminal investigations but do not extend to immigration enforcement.

Judicial Warrant Requirement

Witt has firmly stated that any requests for holding individuals must come with judicial warrants. She expressed skepticism over the federal request for increased access to local jails, asserting that local law enforcement should not act as a fallback for federal immigration failures.

Exhaustive Operational Costs

The recent weeks have been challenging for the Hennepin County law enforcement. Witt revealed that her department incurred over $500,000 in overtime expenses while managing protests related to the immigration operations.

Current Jail Conditions

Hennepin County, which holds the state’s largest jail, is operating at about 85% capacity, primarily housing individuals facing violent felony charges. According to Witt, there is no available space for those with only civil immigration violations.

Impact of Community Trauma

The trust crisis intensified following incidents like the fatal shooting of local resident Alex Pretti. Witt condemned the actions that led to his death and acknowledged the damage to the reputation of law enforcement as a whole.

Children and Immigration Policy Concerns

Witt highlighted the emotional fallout from immigration enforcement on children in her community. Following reports of student detentions by federal agents, she stated that such actions rob youths of their futures and create lasting trauma.

• “Our kids should feel safe at school,” she noted.
• Witt has urged federal authorities to consider the broader impact of their actions on families.

Looking Ahead

Moving forward, Witt aims to foster collaboration with key legal figures to address the legality and operational effectiveness of federal immigration policies. She has reached out to sheriffs nationwide and sought advice from former federal prosecutors to navigate the situation effectively.

Witt concluded by reiterating her commitment to community safety while emphasizing her concerns regarding the ongoing strain on local law enforcement relationships. “If this continues, children will grow up fearing law enforcement, and that cannot be normalized,” she asserted.