HF16

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to regulate how law enforcement agencies in Minnesota interact with federal immigration authorities. It specifically seeks to prevent local policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Main Provisions

• Prohibition of Noncooperation Policies: The bill states that no government entity or official in Minnesota may restrict exchanging information regarding an individual's immigration status with federal immigration agencies. This is to ensure compliance with federal immigration laws.
• Data Exchange and Maintenance: Public employees are not to be prohibited from sending, receiving, maintaining, or exchanging immigration status data with federal, state, or local government entities.
• Cooperation Enforcement: The attorney general or county attorneys must investigate any suspected noncompliance with these requirements and can seek court orders to enforce compliance.
• Notification Requirement: County attorneys are required to notify federal immigration authorities when an undocumented individual is arrested for a violent crime.

Significant Changes

• Removal of Local Autonomy: This bill eliminates the ability of local governments to implement ordinances or policies that restrict cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, often referred to as "sanctuary" policies.
• Mandatory Data Sharing: Ensures the mandatory sharing of immigration status information between local authorities and federal agencies, reinforcing federal law enforcement's role in immigration matters.

Relevant Terms

• Immigration Enforcement
• Sanctuary Policies
• Federal Immigration Authorities
• Immigration Status Data
• Law Enforcement Cooperation
• Undocumented Person
• Violent Crime Notification