The Minnesota Legislature is debating a bill that would require local authorities to report to federal officials if an apprehended illegal migrant is suspected of a violent crime.
"This bill is very narrowly focused in its scope," said the bill's sponsor, state Rep. Max Rymer.
"The mandatory reporting to immigration authorities would include illegal immigrants who are suspected of murder, assault, domestic assault, crimes committed for the benefit of a gang, robbery, carjacking, kidnapping and criminal sexual conduct."
Thus far, Democrats have steadfastly opposed the measure, arguing it undermines local authority and immigrant protections. Nonetheless, it passed out of committee along party lines.
Supporters of the bill, HF16, argued it targets only those arrested in connection with violent crimes, not law-abiding migrants.
On March 12, Charles Thayer, a state resident whose mother was killed by an illegal migrant, testified in favor of its passing. A letter from 35 Minnesotans who were also victims of violent crimes committed by illegal immigrants was presented in that hearing.
The bill will now be taken up by the House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee for review.