By Prime Path Immigration Law Firm Limited USA, on Immigration Updates
On Monday, September 29, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a lawsuit against the State of Minnesota, the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Hennepin County, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna S. Witt over their sanctuary city policies. The DOJ argues these policies interfere with federal immigration and enforcement and are illegal under federal law. The complaint alleges that by refusing to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, these jurisdictions are allowing dangerous individuals—including those convicted of serious crimes like aggravated assault, burglary, and human trafficking—to remain free in the community instead of being deported.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi and Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate emphasized the federal government’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws and holding sanctuary jurisdictions accountable. Attorney General Bondi had previously directed the DOJ’s Civil Division to identify policies nationwide that impede federal immigration operations. Minnesota’s inclusion on a list of sanctuary jurisdictions published in August 2025 preceded this lawsuit, which follows similar legal actions in other cities and states. The DOJ is also working with jurisdictions like Nevada to strengthen immigration enforcement and has influenced policy reversals in cities like Louisville.
For more information on this, and other immigration matters, contact the attorneys at Prime Path Immigration Law Firm Limited USA today.
Reference:
U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Public Affairs, Justice Department Sues Minnesota Over Sanctuary Policies, (Sept. 29, 2025), https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-sues-minnesota-over-sanctuary-policies.
