Law enforcement holds of certain persons subject to federal immigration detainers authorization

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Julia Coleman and 3 co-sponsors

The bill defines when Minnesota can hold people on federal immigration detainers and sets procedures, limits, and due-process protections for detainer-related detention.

Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety

#immigration #lawenforcement #publicsafetyandpublicsafetydepartment

Purpose and intent

SF 5294 seeks to govern law enforcement holds for individuals who are subject to federal immigration detainers. The bill aims to specify when Minnesota authorities may honor or act on federal immigration detainers, and to outline procedures and limitations around holding individuals for federal immigration enforcement. The overarching goal appears to be clarifying state-law enforcement authority in relation to federal immigration detainers and ensuring due process and local control in detention decisions.

Key provisions and changes (subject to bill language)

Define and clarify the circumstances under which Minnesota law enforcement agencies may hold individuals based on federal immigration detainers.

Establish procedural requirements for officers when responding to or acting on a federal detainer, including notifications, documentation, and who must make detention decisions.

Specify limitations or prohibitions on holding individuals solely on the basis of a federal immigration detainer, or set conditions under which such holds may occur.

Set timelines or durations for holds, detainer compliance, and release procedures, including coordination with federal authorities.

Clarify responsibilities of local jurisdictions (cities/counties) in relation to detainers, including any reporting, recordkeeping, or oversight requirements.

Include protections or due process considerations for individuals subject to detainers, such as access to counsel or appeal/review mechanisms where applicable.

Potential consequences or remedies for noncompliance with the act, including enforcement or preemption aspects.

Who or what would be affected

Law enforcement agencies and personnel (state, county, and municipal) that encounter individuals subject to federal immigration detainers.

Individuals detained or held under detainer requests, including non-citizens and possibly dual-status individuals, depending on detainer scope.

Local governments and judicial or administrative bodies responsible for detention policies, records, and compliance oversight.

Federal immigration enforcement interfaces, to the extent detainer actions are coordinated through state processes.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and first reading occurred on May 14, 2026.

Referred to the Judiciary and Public Safety committees for review and consideration.

As a 2025-2026 session measure, the bill would proceed through usual committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor action, with potential implementation timelines depending on enacted language (e.g., effective dates for new procedures and training).

Additional notes

The bill has four co-sponsors: Michael Kreun, Julia Coleman, Zach Duckworth, and Karin Housley.

The exact statutory text will specify the precise standards, definitions (e.g., what qualifies as an immigration detainer, duration of holds, and exceptions), and any preemption or interaction with federal law.

Readers should consult the latest bill draft for precise language, including any fiscal impact statements, enforcement mechanisms, and due process protections.

If you’d like, I can tailor a version with hypothetical examples or compare SF 5294 to current Minnesota practice or to similar federal/state statutes.

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