UPDATE: Stearns County Officials Dispute DHS Claim of Sanctuary Status, Say They’ve Cooperated with ICE for Decades

Originally published 1:07 May 30th, 2025

Updated 3:01 May 30th, 2025

(KNSI) – Stearns County staffers say they were blindsided by the Department of Homeland Security accusing them of refusing to cooperate with federal officials looking for illegal immigrants.

On Thursday, Stearns and 19 other Minnesota counties were among more than 500 listed as sanctuary jurisdictions nationwide. They are all accused of deliberately obstructing the enforcement of federal immigration laws by failing to cooperate with federal officials, refusing to share information, and granting legal protections for illegal aliens. The DHS has demanded that the jurisdictions change their policies to comply with federal immigration laws.

In a statement emailed to KNSI News, county officials say they were not notified before the list’s release and have not received any formal explanation for its inclusion. The county says it has not changed its practices, policies, or procedures regarding immigration enforcement. It says they have always cooperated with ICE and believe they fully comply with all laws.

Sheriff Steve Soyka said, “We were surprised to see Stearns County on this list. Stearns County has maintained a clear and consistent approach to working and communicating with ICE and following federal requirements. What we currently do in our jail is what we have done for the past 20 years with no issues. We have always notified ICE when required. We have not received any complaints or heard of any issues from local ICE officials — in fact, during their last visit, they complimented our staff on how we handle these matters.”

The county says it will continue operating under its current procedures, which have historically been in alignment with ICE expectations.

In May 2021, around a dozen groups signed a community policing agreement with Stearns County to help protect the area’s immigrant community. Fe y Justicia spearheaded the agreement with the most significant change spelling out what rights arrested immigrants have regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement. At that time, the agreement stated that the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office doesn’t work with ICE but has to report to them.

In January 2024, Sheriff Soyka testified in support of a bill giving state ID cards and driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants.

Minnesota was listed as a self-identified sanctuary state. The only two cities on the list were Minneapolis and St. Paul. The other 19 counties named in the release were Anoka, Carver, Cottonwood, Goodhue, Hennepin, Le Sueur, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Nicollet, Nobles, Otter Tail, Pipestone, Ramsey, Scott, Steele, Todd, Watonwan and Wright County.

See all the jurisdictions listed as sanctuary sites by clicking here.

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