Full Breakdown
Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt Addresses Federal Immigration Crackdown
2/4/2026, 6:47:11 AM
Strained Relations Amid Federal Operations
Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt has expressed feelings of being "scapegoated" during the federal immigration enforcement initiative known as "Operation Metro Surge" in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Witt claims that the operation has strained local law enforcement, deepened community trauma, and eroded trust between residents and police. While she acknowledges the need for some cooperation with federal immigration authorities, she firmly states that her office does not engage in civil or immigration enforcement.
Local Law Enforcement's Position
Witt has countered accusations from Trump administration officials that local authorities are not cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). She notes that her department has a history of working with federal agencies on criminal investigations but emphasizes that they will not detain individuals solely for immigration violations. "We do not do civil or immigration enforcement. We never have," she stated. Witt also highlighted the legal risks of delaying releases from custody, asserting, "If we slow-walk releases, we get sued."
Community Impact and Concerns
The sheriff described the past weeks as "exhausting" for her deputies, who have faced increased demands due to the federal operation. The financial burden has also been significant, with over $500,000 spent on overtime. Witt pointed out that the majority of individuals in Hennepin County jails are held on violent felony charges, and she argued that there is no capacity to detain individuals for civil immigration violations.
The recent fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a U.S. citizen, has further exacerbated tensions. Witt condemned the shooting, stating, "Filming is not justification to shoot someone," and expressed concern about the damage to the reputation of law enforcement as a whole.
Criticism of Federal Tactics
Witt has criticized the actions of federal agents, claiming they have harmed community trust and safety. She reported receiving numerous complaints about federal conduct, which she believes tarnishes the reputation of all law enforcement. Witt also expressed concern for the psychological impact on children in her community, stating, "We are traumatizing these kids. We are robbing them of their futures."
Official Statements & Responses
In response to the federal government's demands for greater cooperation, Witt has indicated a willingness to notify ICE about the release of individuals accused of serious crimes. However, she maintains that her office will not hold anyone beyond their court-ordered release. Witt has called for a collaborative approach to address the broken immigration system, stating, "We just don't agree on how to fix it."
What's Next for Hennepin County
Looking ahead, Witt aims to engage with federal officials and other sheriffs to clarify legal responsibilities and explore potential changes to the current immigration enforcement framework. She has reached out to various stakeholders to facilitate discussions on how to improve cooperation while ensuring community safety. Witt's priority remains clear: "My top priority is to keep my community safe — period."
Verbatim Quotes
- "We've definitely been scapegoated." — Dawanna Witt, Hennepin County Sheriff
- "We do not do civil or immigration enforcement. We never have." — Dawanna Witt, Hennepin County Sheriff
- "If we slow-walk releases, we get sued." — Dawanna Witt, Hennepin County Sheriff
- "We are traumatizing these kids. We are robbing them of their futures." — Dawanna Witt, Hennepin County Sheriff
- "What happens to the good cops? The ones doing everything right who now get blasted for something they didn't do?" — Dawanna Witt, Hennepin County Sheriff
- "My top priority is to keep my community safe — period." — Dawanna Witt, Hennepin County Sheriff
