Minnesota DHS has a website devoted to debunking DHS claims.

This page exists to correct the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) repeated false claims regarding the Minnesota Department of Corrections’ (DOC) cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Please see the below media fact sheet, press releases, and videos for more information.

Page devoted to Alex Pretti:
https://mn.gov/doc/about/news/news-releases/?id=1089-720842

Found on bluesky post via mastodon. May be more discussion there:
https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:bbp2b224lro3bfnzcqwwnkfo/post/3mdczpr56ak2g

  • Jo Miran@lemmy.mlEnglish
    4·
    3 days ago

    FACT SHEET: ICE Detainers in Minnesota

    Minnesota Department of Corrections, St. Paul, MN

    News Conference – January 22, 2026, 10:30 a.m.

    Why We’re Here
    The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continues to release false numbers about ICE detainers in Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) has provided verified data and requested clarification. DHS has not responded.

    Jurisdiction Basics
    The Minnesota Department of Corrections operates state prisons only.

    • DOC does not operate county jails or ICE detention facilities.
    • DOC does not decide who receives an ICE detainer.
    • ICE alone determines detainers and custody transfers.

    The Numbers
    DHS claim: 1,360 individuals with ICE detainers in Minnesota custody. Verified Minnesota data:

    • County jails: approximately 94 individuals
    • State prisons: 207 individuals
    • Total: approximately 301 individuals
    • Discrepancy: about 1,000 people DHS has provided no source, no methodology, no explanation.

    Key Facts
    DOC honors every ICE detainer, even beyond state law requirements. DOC coordinates every custody transfer with ICE. No exceptions. DHS examples reviewed:

    • Many individuals were never in DOC custody
    • Some have no Minnesota court records
    • Many were released to ICE years or decades ago
    • Some were transferred to ICE custody, and now ICE claims they were picked up on the streets of Minneapolis

    DHS claims do not match Minnesota records or jurisdictional reality. Minnesota’s Position

    If DHS believes Minnesota failed to honor a detainer, identify the case and we will address it.

    Continuing to release unsupported numbers is reckless and irresponsible. Minnesota is ready to work with DHS to align facts and operational reality.

    Quote from Commissioner Paul Schnell

    “Minnesotans deserve facts, not fear. We honor every ICE detainer and work closely with federal officials every day to ensure safe custody transfers. The numbers DHS is putting out are simply wrong, and we will continue to correct the record for as long as misinformation persists.”

    Bottom Line
    Facts matter. Minnesota will continue to correct the record for as long as DHS distributes false information.