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Sheriff says county was wrongly listed on federal "sanctuary" list; commission adopts sheriff's press release
Summary
Sheriff Lang told the commission the Department of Homeland Security briefly listed Ramsey County as a sanctuary jurisdiction; the listing was removed and the commission adopted a press release reiterating that the county enforces federal and state immigration laws.
Sheriff Lang told commissioners that the Department of Homeland Security had for a short time included Ramsey County on a list of jurisdictions described as "sanctuary" jurisdictions. The sheriff said the county was unaware how it was placed on the list and that the National Sheriffs Association and the governor's office were assisting to have the county removed and cleared.
"We are not, I repeat, not a sanctuary jurisdiction," Sheriff Lang said during the meeting. He told the board the list was removed from the DHS website and that federal and state partners were working to provide an apology and clarification. County staff and the sheriff said the county cooperates with federal partners and enforces local, state and immigration laws.
Commission members discussed state legislative action on sanctuary policies (a 2023 law strengthened enforcement by providing state remedies) and said the county's practices conform with state law. The board voted to adopt the sheriff's press release and reissue it as a Ramsey County position to reassure residents and partners that the county enforces the law and has no sanctuary policy.
Sheriff Lang said the county has been contacting federal partners to confirm operational details and to request formal removal from any erroneous list. Commissioners who spoke supported the sheriff's outreach and asked staff to disseminate the adopted county statement.
The motion to adopt the sheriff's press release passed by voice vote.
