Story perspectives

Minnesota Lawmakers Clash Over Immigration Enforcement and Fraud

2/17/2026

Center

Lawmakers Tackle Immigration

Minnesota lawmakers will start a session focused on immigration enforcement and fraud.
Democratic-Farmer-Laror lawmakers plan bills to regulate ICE operations and constrain arrests by law enforcement.
Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy emphasizes state authority over federal agents.
Republicans seek to address fraud and public safety, with House Floor Leader Harry Niska citing school safety.
The session opens amid disputes over federal immigration actions' impact on state programs.

Right

Democrats Demand Reimbursement

Minnesota Democrats urge the federal government to reimburse the state for immigration enforcement costs up to $18 billion.
Walz and Frey state that city losses exceed $203 million.
Federal officials, including White House Border Czar Tom Homan, are skeptical of the demands.
Reports suggest funds may have been misappropriated, potentially benefiting groups like Al Shabaab.
Walz has announced he will not seek a third term.

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Lawmakers Tackle Immigration

Minnesota lawmakers will start a session focused on immigration enforcement and fraud.
Democratic-Farmer-Laror lawmakers plan bills to regulate ICE operations and constrain arrests by law enforcement.
Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy emphasizes state authority over federal agents.
Republicans seek to address fraud and public safety, with House Floor Leader Harry Niska citing school safety.
The session opens amid disputes over federal immigration actions' impact on state programs.

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