Minnesota Sheriff Walks a Narrow Line on federal immigration crackdown
Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt says she feels scapegoated by the federal immigration crackdown but is open to limited cooperation, stressing her office does not perform civil immigration enforcement and requiring warrants for holds; she would consider notifying ICE before releasing those charged with violent crimes, but won’t delay court-ordered releases. Witt notes strain on deputies, rising overtime costs, jail crowding, and trauma in the community from Operation Metro Surge, and calls for a negotiated plan with federal officials to draw down agents while focusing on keeping the public safe and rebuilding trust in policing.