Minnesota Senate Considers Sweeping Bill to Limit ICE Powers

Proposed legislation would restrict federal immigration agents' access to schools, require identification, and allow civil lawsuits over constitutional violations.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:04pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes in shades of blue, gray, and black, representing a faceless federal immigration agent in motion, conveying a sense of aggression and lack of accountability.A fractured, abstract painting captures the aggressive tactics and lack of transparency employed by federal immigration agents during controversial enforcement operations.Blaine Today

The Minnesota Senate is considering a comprehensive bill that aims to rein in the powers of federal immigration enforcement agents. The bill would make it illegal for agents to conceal their identities, limit their access to sensitive locations like schools and health care facilities, prohibit the release of personal data without a warrant, and allow the public to sue over alleged constitutional violations. The legislation has faced partisan divides, with Republicans criticizing it as catering to the Democratic base, while Democrats argue it is necessary to protect civil liberties and the rule of law.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation is a response to concerns over the aggressive tactics employed by federal immigration agents during 'Operation Metro Surge,' which drew international criticism and resulted in the deaths of two U.S. citizens. The bill aims to rein in what Democrats describe as federal agents 'running roughshod over the Constitution' and to hold them accountable for alleged retaliation and illegal conduct.

The details

The Senate bill would make it illegal for anyone, including federal agents, to conceal their identity in public using masks or other means, with some exceptions. It would also limit federal agents' access to sensitive locations like schools, health care facilities, and courthouses without a valid judicial warrant. The legislation would also prohibit certain institutions from releasing personal data, such as immigration status, without a warrant. Additionally, the bill includes a 'civil remedies' proposal that would make it easier for the public to sue over constitutional violations by federal agents.

  • The Senate bill passed out of the Judiciary and Public Safety committee last month.
  • There is no set date yet for the Senate floor vote on the bill.

The players

Sen. Ron Latz

A DFL-St. Louis Park senator who is the lead sponsor of the Senate bill, which he says is a response to the 'manner in which our federal immigration enforcement agents have been running roughshod over the Constitution.'

Sen. Michael Kreun

A Republican senator from Blaine who sits on the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, and has criticized the Democrats' proposals as 'playing to their extreme base that simply doesn't want immigration laws enforced at all.'

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What they’re saying

“'The level of overreach — completely ignoring generally accepted restrictions on government conduct — is most distressing for what it portends for democracy and for our foundation.'”

— Sen. Ron Latz

“'Democrats' proposals miss the mark because they are playing to their extreme base that simply doesn't want immigration laws enforced at all.'”

— Sen. Michael Kreun

What’s next

The Senate bill will next be scheduled for a floor vote, though no specific date has been set yet. The outcome of the vote will signal whether any of the DFL's proposals in response to Operation Metro Surge will become law.

The takeaway

The proposed Senate bill represents a sweeping effort by Minnesota Democrats to rein in the powers of federal immigration enforcement agents, in response to concerns over their aggressive tactics and alleged constitutional violations. The partisan divide over the legislation reflects the broader political tensions around immigration policy in the state and nation.