Feds new immigration sanctuary designation for rural Minnesota counties leaves officials baffled

Pipestone County, Minnesota, has been mistakenly included on the U. S. Department of Homeland Security's watchlist for “sanctuary” jurisdictions, leaving local officials perplexed. Administrator Steve Ewing noted that the county, which has a population of fewer than 10,000 residents and largely supported President Trump, has never declared itself a sanctuary for undocumented immigrants. The designation is significant as it could lead to funding cuts and legal repercussions for counties that do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.

While cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul have adopted policies resisting federal deportation efforts, they have not officially labeled themselves as sanctuary cities. St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter expressed concern over the federal government's tactics, highlighting the risk of losing about $200 million in federal funding. Local officials are demanding clarification from DHS, which has not yet responded to their inquiries.

The situation underscores the tension between federal immigration policy and local governance, as officials seek to protect their communities from potential repercussions. Officials in Pipestone County remain unsure about the origin of their designation and its implications for future funding and policy.