White House border czar Tom Homan announced on Thursday that Minnesota county jails will begin sharing information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when they are scheduled to release illegal immigrants who have criminal backgrounds.
During a press conference, Homan explained that Attorney General Keith Ellison "has clarified for me that county jails may notify ICE of the release dates of criminal public safety risks so I can take custody upon the release from the jail."
This announcement marks a significant shift in the state's approach to working with federal immigration authorities. Previously, they refused to allow local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE and Border Patrol to apprehend and remove illegal immigrants -- even those who committed violent crimes.
Homan said the Minnesota Department of Corrections has consistently honored ICE detainers and stressed that any reduction in the number of federal agents in Minnesota would be contingent on continued cooperation from state and local officials.
"As we see cooperation happen, then the redeployment will happen," he said.