Crow Wing County Commissioners Divided on Sheriff's ICE Cooperation

Residents raise concerns about legality of sheriff's agreement with federal immigration authorities

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Crow Wing County commissioners have differing views on the sheriff's cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Some commissioners, like Paul Koering and Jamie Lee, support the sheriff's actions, while others, like Steve Barrows, have concerns about the legality and implementation of the agreement. The commissioners say the issue should be addressed with the sheriff, who they believe has the authority to make such decisions.

Why it matters

The debate over the sheriff's ICE cooperation highlights the ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement at the local level. The commissioners' responses reflect the broader political divisions in the community and the need for clarity on the legal boundaries of local law enforcement's role in federal immigration matters.

The details

Resident Tim Quincer raised concerns at a recent county board meeting about the legality of the sheriff's agreement with ICE, citing an opinion from the Minnesota Attorney General that such unilateral agreements are not legal. Commissioners have differing views, with some saying the sheriff has the authority to make such decisions, while others believe the board should have a role. The county had previously pursued a relationship with the U.S. Marshals Service to help fill jail beds and generate revenue, and the recent arrests of four men at a local restaurant have further fueled the debate.

  • On January 27, 2026, a resident raised concerns about the sheriff's ICE cooperation at a county board meeting.
  • On December 12, 2025, the Minnesota Attorney General's Office issued a formal legal opinion about 287(g) agreements between local law enforcement and ICE.
  • On January 20, 2026, the Cass County Board rescinded its agreement with ICE after the Attorney General's opinion.

The players

Tim Quincer

A Baxter resident who raised concerns about the legality of the sheriff's ICE cooperation at a county board meeting.

Keith Ellison

The Minnesota Attorney General who issued an opinion stating that the sheriff's unilateral agreement with ICE was not legal.

Rosemary Franzen

The chair of the Crow Wing County Board of Commissioners, who says the board will take direction from the county attorney and sheriff on the issue.

Eric Klang

The Crow Wing County Sheriff, who has continued to cooperate with ICE and federal partners on criminal matters.

Paul Koering

A Crow Wing County Commissioner who disagrees with Ellison's opinion and believes the sheriff has the authority to make such decisions.

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What they’re saying

“I think we should take a look at the legality of this.”

— Tim Quincer, Baxter resident (brainerddispatch.com)

“The Attorney General gave an opinion, and until we get further clarification, I'm fine with what's going on. The sheriff needs to answer all these questions.”

— Rosemary Franzen, Crow Wing County Board Chair (brainerddispatch.com)

“I don't agree with Ellison's opinion on the agreement with ICE. The sheriff is elected countywide and has the ability to make those decisions while the County Board controls the purse strings with the budget.”

— Paul Koering, Crow Wing County Commissioner (brainerddispatch.com)

What’s next

The Crow Wing County Board may address the issue further if it is formally brought to them, but the commissioners indicate the sheriff has the authority to make decisions on the ICE cooperation agreement.

The takeaway

The debate over the sheriff's ICE cooperation in Crow Wing County reflects the broader political tensions around immigration enforcement at the local level. The commissioners' differing views highlight the need for clarity on the legal boundaries of local law enforcement's role in federal immigration matters.