The reaction of the Minnesota Legislature to the unveiling of the North Star Act drew disappointment from many quarters, not only due to the misconceptions surrounding the bill but also because it highlighted broader issues about who holds sway in shaping state legislation. As the proposal was branded a “sanctuary” bill by the media, it triggered a familiar wave of outrage amplified by right-wing news outlets known for stoking fear. Consequently, some legislative leaders felt compelled to denounce the bill without thoroughly examining its contents or consulting the communities that had advocated for its introduction.
Let’s delve into the specifics of the bill (HF 3459/SF 3516). The North Star Act aims to restrict the use of state resources by agencies for federal immigration enforcement purposes. It prohibits discretionary inquiries into individuals’ immigration status by state agents, voluntary sharing of Minnesotans’ private data with federal immigration authorities, and the detention or transfer of individuals to federal immigration authorities without a judicial warrant. Importantly, the bill does not impede legally mandated data-sharing and cooperation or prevent the collection of immigration data for legitimate public purposes. It also does not curtail investigations into criminal activities. Furthermore, the bill does not dictate the operations of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) nor does it offer amnesty to undocumented individuals, as these fall under federal jurisdiction. Instead, it affirms that Minnesota’s public safety resources are designated to enhance safety within the state and will not be diverted to compensate for deficiencies in the federal immigration system.
Regardless of their stance on the bill, I urge our legislators to engage in substantive discussions beyond social media and recognize that this bill transcends political posturing.
The language of the bill has been meticulously crafted to align with Minnesota’s values and address community needs, while respecting constitutional powers and drawing on lessons learned from similar legislation in other states. It has been drafted by a team of nationally recognized legal experts led by the Binger Center for New Americans at the University of Minnesota, with input from organizations like the ACLU of Minnesota and the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota.
The bill incorporates the voices of diverse immigrant communities, including newer arrivals such as the Karen and Afghani communities, as well as long-standing community pillars like the Mexican, Hmong, and Somali communities.
It reflects the shared faith values prevalent in our state, garnering endorsements from mosques, synagogues, and churches, with active involvement from faith-based organizations such as the Episcopal Church in Minnesota, Jewish Community Action, and the Council of American-Islamic Relations.
The bill enjoys support from service providers like CAPI USA, COPAL, the Center for Victims of Torture, Violence Free Minnesota, and the Minnesota Freedom Fund, who assert that it will enhance community safety.
Labor unions, including the SEIU, the UFCW, and MFT, have endorsed the bill, emphasizing its importance in safeguarding the rights of their members.
Moreover, the bill has received backing from municipalities and school districts, particularly those with substantial immigrant populations, which are at the forefront of integrating immigrants into our communities.
We have listened to law enforcement voices stressing the importance of community trust in ensuring public safety, and we are committed to crafting a bill that safeguards their operational capacity.
To legislators: the legislative session is just beginning. The North Star Alliance is eager to collaborate with you to shape a bill that protects our state resources from federal overreach and empowers our immigrant communities, many of whom have been integral parts of our neighborhoods for decades, to fully participate in and contribute to our society. Acknowledging the challenges we face as a grassroots coalition prioritizing inclusivity over polish, devoid of lobbyists or strategists, we urge you not to let fear-driven narratives preemptively close the door on legislation that echoes the voices of directly affected constituents and resonates with the values of over a million Minnesotans represented by our alliance. Let’s have a constructive dialogue before passing judgment.
