Twin Cities on Trump's Sanctuary City Hit List!

Twin Cities Face Scrutiny as Trump Administration Targets Sanctuary Cities

Minneapolis and St. Paul have once again found themselves in the crosshairs of the Trump Administration, finding their names on a list of so-called "Sanctuary Cities" deemed non-compliant with federal law. This announcement, stemming from an executive order issued by the Department of Homeland Security, signals a renewed push to enforce federal immigration policies and potentially withhold federal funding from these jurisdictions.

The executive order accuses sanctuary cities of shielding "dangerous criminal aliens from facing consequences" and actively obstructing federal immigration enforcement. The full order, which can be accessed HERE, explicitly demands these cities revise their policies to align with federal mandates.

Minneapolis Responds Defiantly

In response to the Trump Administration's action, a spokesperson for the City of Minneapolis issued a strong statement:

• "Minneapolis is a city that fosters inclusivity, safety, and belonging. That’s something worth standing up for."
• "The law is on our side. Two U.S. District Courts have already blocked the Trump administration from freezing funding to Minneapolis on this unlawful basis."
• "We’ll proudly be on any list that reflects our values and commitment to the people who call Minneapolis home. We will always stand with – and fight for – our neighbors.”

This stance echoes a commitment made in January, when the Minneapolis Police Department affirmed its adherence to the city's immigration policy, clarifying that officers are prohibited from inquiring about a person's immigration status except in specific instances, such as human trafficking investigations. Police Chief Brian O'Hara has been steadfast in upholding this policy.

St. Paul Stands Firm on Long-Held Policy

St. Paul has maintained a separation ordinance since April 2004, a policy that Mayor Melvin Carter strongly defends. "We’ve never had a role in enforcing federal immigration laws, nor asked for papers as a condition to receive city services, and we never will," Carter stated, reinforcing the city's unwavering commitment to its residents.

Legal Battles and the Future of Sanctuary Cities

Both Minneapolis and St. Paul, along with other sanctuary cities, joined a lawsuit against the Trump Administration in February, spearheaded by San Francisco. This legal challenge addresses the administration's threats to withhold funding from sanctuary jurisdictions. A significant victory was achieved in April when a federal judge ruled against the administration, barring them from denying or conditioning federal funds to these cities, deeming portions of the president’s executive orders unconstitutional. You can read more about this ruling HERE.

The ongoing conflict between the Trump Administration and sanctuary cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul underscores a fundamental debate about immigration policy and the role of local governments in enforcing federal laws. The legal battles are far from over, and the future of these cities' sanctuary status remains uncertain. The dedication of these cities to their stated values, however, remains resolute.

Tags: Sanctuary Cities, Trump Administration, Federal Law, Homeland Security, Immigration, Minneapolis, Twin Cities, Executive Order, Non-compliant, Criminal Aliens

Source: https://kstp.com/kstp-news/local-news/minneapolis-st-paul-among-sanctuary-cities-put-on-notice-by-trump-administration/