Cooperation Between Minnesota Department of Corrections and ICE Sparks Debate
In a recent visit to Minneapolis, Vice President JD Vance acknowledged that the Minnesota Department of Corrections has been cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in notifying them about undocumented criminals being released from state facilities.Vice President Vance's Acknowledgement
During a news conference, Vice President JD Vance appeared to acknowledge that the Minnesota Department of Corrections has been cooperating with ICE. When asked if the state was cooperating, he stated, 'Look, 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 added, 'I think that while there are certain things we'd like to see more from them, they've hardly been the worst offenders.'
ICE Official's Request for Cooperation
Marcus Charles, the head of ICE's deportation branch, echoed Vice President Vance's appeal, asking local authorities to turn over dangerous criminals. He stated that ICE has lodged immigration detainers against criminal illegal aliens in Minnesota's jails and prisons, but county officials often fail to honor these requests.
Minnesota Department of Corrections' Response
In an interview with CBS News, Paul Schnell, the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Corrections, confirmed that his department has been cooperating with ICE. He explained that as undocumented criminals approach their release date, staff coordinate directly with the local ICE office to arrange for their transfer to federal custody.
Debate Over Cooperation
The cooperation between the Minnesota Department of Corrections and ICE has sparked debate among immigration activists and advocates. While some argue that it is essential to work together to ensure public safety, others claim that it undermines local authority and perpetuates a culture of fear.
The acknowledgment by Vice President JD Vance and the confirmation by the Minnesota Department of Corrections' commissioner have shed light on the complex issue of cooperation between state and federal authorities. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the fate of undocumented immigrants in Minnesota's jails and prisons hangs in the balance.
