Explosive emails have been leaked exposing how Minneapolis lawyers are actively plotting to help illegal immigrants avoid ICE. The shocking revelations show how sanctuary city policies are being weaponized against federal immigration enforcement, raising serious questions about whether these attorneys are crossing legal boundaries. It seems obvious that they are…
At a glance:
• Leaked emails from a private listserv reveal Minneapolis-area lawyers coordinating to help illegal immigrants evade ICE
• Attorneys suggested using Zoom court hearings specifically to prevent ICE from apprehending illegal immigrants
• Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison issued a legal opinion prohibiting state and local law enforcement from holding individuals on immigration detainers
• Some Minnesota judges are reportedly encouraging Zoom requests for cases with immigration issues
• Title 8 of the U.S. Code makes it illegal to harbor illegal immigrants, yet no legal action has been taken against the lawyers involved
Lawyers Caught Plotting Against ICE
A bombshell trove of emails has exposed how lawyers in Minneapolis are actively working to undermine federal immigration enforcement. The communications, sent on a private listserv to members of the Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (MACDL), detail explicit strategies to prevent Immigration and Customs Enforcement from apprehending illegal immigrants scheduled for court appearances.
And Democrats laugh when people say “deep state.”
Attorney Ronnie Santana wrote in one of the leaked emails: “I was thinking we may want to have a conversation within the organization about pooling together and asking to convert hearings to Zoom for clients that we think would be targeted by ICE.”
That sounds like a crime to us.
And it hardly seems surprising when Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has insisted he won’t cooperate with ICE – ever.
Sanctuary City Policies Emboldening Resistance
The lawyers’ scheme comes after Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison issued a legal opinion that prohibits state and local law enforcement from holding individuals based on immigration detainers. This sanctuary policy effectively prevents cooperation between local officials and federal immigration authorities, creating safe havens for illegal immigrants throughout the state.
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson defended recent policy changes that allow ICE to operate in previously restricted locations: “This action empowers the brave men and women in CBP and ICE to enforce our immigration laws and catch criminal aliens – including murderers and rapists – who have illegally come into our country. Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest.”
Another disturbing email from attorney JaneAnne Murray revealed she had “called the court’s clerk and orally requested a Zoom appearance” for a client with immigration issues. The coordination among these attorneys appears systematic and deliberate in its attempt to circumvent federal immigration enforcement.
Legal Experts Question Tactics
Famed Law Professor Jonathan Turley noted that the “emails suggest that the sole reason for converting hearings into virtual appearances is to evade ICE enforcement.” This targeted obstruction raises serious legal questions about whether these attorneys are violating federal law prohibiting the harboring of illegal immigrants. And if they are, we have exactly the kind of administration willing to do it!
Despite clear evidence of coordination to obstruct federal immigration enforcement, no legal action has been taken against the lawyers involved. The ACLU has reportedly expressed interest in protecting people from ICE presence at courthouses and jails, further demonstrating the organized resistance to immigration enforcement in sanctuary jurisdictions.
The revelation comes as ICE has been conducting targeted enforcement actions across multiple sanctuary cities. These operations specifically focus on individuals with criminal convictions or outstanding deportation orders, prioritizing public safety while sanctuary jurisdictions continue to shield illegal immigrants from federal authorities.
