Minnesota's state prison system has taken the unprecedented step of launching a dedicated website to publicly challenge and correct what officials describe as a pattern of "inaccurate" and "misleading" statements from Donald Trump's Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The move represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between state authorities and federal immigration officials over enforcement practices and transparency.
A Direct Response to 'Reckless' Claims
The Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) created the new online resource specifically to address what Commissioner Paul Schnell called "ongoing misinformation" from Homeland Security officials. This initiative follows particularly contentious claims made in the aftermath of the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti.
"It is disturbing that DHS continues to issue inaccurate statements that erode public trust," Commissioner Schnell stated emphatically. "We will not allow misinformation to go unchecked — especially when it threatens the integrity of public safety agencies and undermines the transparency that the public deserves."
Disputing Specific Allegations
The conflict centres on several key assertions from federal officials that Minnesota authorities vehemently dispute. During a press conference following the Pretti shooting, Border Patrol official Greg Bovino, who leads Trump's operation in Minnesota, claimed officers were present to target Jose Huerta-Chuma, who was characterised as having a significant criminal history.
State records tell a different story. According to the DOC, Huerta-Chuma has never been in Minnesota's custody, and state databases show no felony allegations against him. The agency confirmed he has only misdemeanor-level traffic offenses from over a decade ago.
The Numbers Discrepancy
A major point of contention involves the statistics surrounding immigrants in state custody. Homeland Security has claimed that Minnesota is shielding approximately 1,360 criminally charged immigrants who could be removed from the country. State and local officials have strongly disputed this figure.
The state's prison system maintains there are roughly 300 individuals whom Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has identified as potentially deportable. Furthermore, under Minnesota law, the DOC is required to notify ICE when an immigrant convicted of a felony is scheduled for release. Last year, prison officials transferred 84 people who had completed their sentences and were exiting the state prison system to federal authorities.
Political Motivations and Legal Battles
Trump administration officials have repeatedly accused Democratic-led states, including Minnesota, of refusing to cooperate with ICE, using these claims to justify substantial surges in law enforcement presence. The operation in Minnesota is Homeland Security's largest immigration enforcement effort to date, with officers facing accusations of unlawfully targeting both immigrants and citizens, resulting in violent clashes with protesters.
Minnesota officials have responded by suing the administration to halt the surge, alleging the operation constitutes a politically motivated and unconstitutional attack on the state. Administration officials have disputed these claims and are actively fighting the lawsuits in multiple courtrooms.
The 'Flood the Zone' Ultimatum
The rhetoric intensified recently when Homeland Security demanded that Minneapolis "let ICE in your jails," accompanied by a stark warning on social media platform X: "Until then, President Trump and Secretary Noem will FLOOD THE ZONE."
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has further claimed that state agencies are barred from joining the investigation into Pretti's death because Minnesota "refuses to cooperate with ICE." State prison officials have categorically denied this, stating, "That statement is incorrect."
Clarifying State Policy and Practice
While Minnesota blocks officials and police from inquiring about residents' immigration status in most circumstances, this policy generally does not apply to individuals already in custody. "At the city level, we do not have authority over jails and prisons — period," clarified Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.
Governor Tim Walz testified to Congress last year, emphasising, "The Minnesota Legislature has not passed legislation making Minnesota a sanctuary state, and I have not signed any such legislation into law."
A Resource for Accuracy
The new state website includes a verified count of noncitizens in state custody and features press releases aimed at clarifying Homeland Security's frequently cited "worst of the worst" lists. "DOC will continue to review facts carefully, correct the record when necessary, and share accurate, verifiable information with the media and the public," the agency pledged.
The Independent has requested comment from the Department of Homeland Security regarding these allegations and the state's newly launched corrective website.
