McLeod County Board of Commissioners took a stand against state lawmakers during a special meeting as they unanimously passed a resolution opposing the North STAR Act, a proposal that would restrict cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
Chairman Paul Wright explained the urgency of the Saturday, Feb. 10, special meeting, underscoring the need to address the issue before the upcoming legislative session.
“This is a critical issue for our state, nation, our county and all across the state of Minnesota in a number of areas, which obviously most of you understand or you wouldn’t be here,” state Rep. Glenn Gruenhagen told the board as he urged passage of the resolution. “We all support legal immigration. It’s illegal immigration that we have a problem with because of the crime, the fentanyl, overdoses, illegal drugs, health care, education, and a host of other reasons. We need legal immigration. We’re short workers in our health care, our businesses and a number of other areas.”
If approved by the Legislature, the North STAR Act would prohibit state and local law enforcement agencies from using state resources for civil immigration enforcement purposes. It would prohibit sharing data or accepting federal funds that would require collaboration in immigration enforcement efforts. It would not prohibit collaboration based on investigating criminal activity.
During the open discussion, a handful of community members voiced their support for the resolution opposing the North STAR Act. No one spoke against it.
Collins Township resident Al Frederickson voiced concerns about the constitution.
“It appears to me that the sanctuary state drive is in defiance of the United States Constitution,” he said. “There’s a time and place for civil disobedience and I hope that if it does pass, the county will consider disobeying the sanctuary state.”
Hutchinson Township resident Dennis Schaefer questioned if the act would allow non-citizens to legally vote in elections.
“Based on last session when they passed driver’s license for illegals, we tried to put some type of notation on there that they’re not eligible for voting and the Democrats voted it all down,” Gruenhagen said.
According to Minnesota Secretary of State, only U.S. citizens are eligible to vote in elections in Minnesota. This includes local elections such as city, town or school district elections. Green card holders are not eligible.
Other residents and commissioners expressed the need for immigration reform.
“I’m in support of the resolution 100%,” commissioner Nathan Schmalz said. “I think what we really need to do is look at immigration reform rather than opening the floodgates. I think the majority of the people here feel the same way. The majority of the people that I represent feel the same way.”
Glencoe resident Damian Amberg talked about the process of bringing his wife to the U.S. from Thailand. He noted the process was invasive, it took three to four years and cost thousands of dollars.
“Going through the legal immigration process, it’s hell,” Amberg said. “So not only do I support this measure, but I also just want to raise attention to the fact that we need legal immigration reform.”
“Remember, we’re all great-, great-grandchildren of immigrants that came over here legally,” Gruenhagen added. “So we support that. Illegal immigration is not only bad for a state and our nation, but also for the illegal immigrant … We need to care about them and to bring them here legally so we can vet them.”
The resolution passed 5-0 and has been sent to all county commissioners in the state as well as Gov. Tim Walz and Minnesota legislators.
This is the second time the County Board has voiced opposition to state legislative action. Last month, the board approved a resolution, which was forwarded to the governor and legislators, that opposes changes to the state flag and seal.
