A sharp disagreement has erupted between Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and former ICE Director Tom Homan over the sharing of inmate release information with federal immigration authorities. Homan claimed a new agreement was reached allowing county jails to notify ICE when inmates are about to be released, a claim Ellison vehemently denies.
Ellison issued a firm statement, asserting he had no involvement in any such agreement. He emphasized that his office’s authority extends to state prisons, which *are* legally required to inform federal authorities about the release of individuals convicted of felonies who lack legal status.
The critical distinction lies with county jails, which operate independently under the control of local sheriffs and counties. These entities independently decide whether to cooperate with ICE’s requests for release notifications or detainers – a long-standing point of contention.
Homan, dispatched to Minnesota by President Trump in response to escalating unrest in Minneapolis, publicly stated that Ellison had agreed to notify ICE about the release of “violent illegal aliens.” He framed this as a crucial step in public safety, allowing agents to apprehend individuals while they are still in custody.
According to Homan, arresting individuals within the secure environment of a jail is far safer and more efficient than pursuing them once they are released back into the community, potentially armed and with networks of support. He described the latter scenario as requiring larger teams and increased risk.
Homan also used the news conference to condemn what he called “hostile rhetoric” directed at ICE officers and pledged continued federal presence in the Twin Cities to carry out their duties. He stated President Trump had tasked him with resolving the situation.
The deployment of Homan followed a period of intense clashes between anti-ICE protesters and federal agents throughout the Twin Cities. Tragically, these confrontations resulted in the deaths of two U.S. citizens, Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, during encounters with law enforcement.
The core of the dispute centers on the balance between local control over jails and federal immigration enforcement priorities. Ellison’s denial underscores the ongoing legal and political battles surrounding ICE’s access to information and its role in local communities.
