Friends and neighbors,
We are in the middle of a full-blown border disaster courtesy of President Biden and Democrats that run our government. Here in Minnesota, Democrats are not trying to get the crisis under control. They are fueling it.
Their latest effort is a proposal to make Minnesota a sanctuary state. This idea is terrible on its face, but when you consider it along with the border catastrophe and surges in migration to Minnesota, it is complete madness.
What we are currently experiencing demonstrates why border security is so vital. It is an issue that does not merely affect border states – it affects all of us, everywhere.
Shelters have been overwhelmed. Even Democrats like New York Mayor Eric Adams have acknowledged that they underestimated the impact of illegal immigration and the level to which it takes away “resources that should go to the day‑to‑day services of running the city.” And now they are literally giving their migrants plane tickets to Minnesota to alleviate the strain on their system.
The emergency in New York should serve as a warning sign, not a model to follow. It is not remotely fair to the Minnesota taxpayers who will be footing the bill – many of whom are already struggling themselves. Especially after Democrats spent the entirety of the state’s $19 billion surplus last year without providing any relief, raised taxes $10 billion, and have additional tax increases planned for the upcoming session.
There is also a very real public safety concern, as two recent events illustrated.
The first was the case of a Somali terrorist who was captured in Minnesota after roaming free for a year. He crossed the border illegally and was apprehended but subsequently released into our country.
The second example was the case of Alonzo Mingo, a former ICE detainee and former UPS driver who murdered three people in Coon Rapids.
Are most migrants dangerous? No. But without any control of our border the bad and violent guys get in alongside the ones who just want a better life. That’s why we have a process in place for immigrants to follow: to keep ourselves safe AND help people. Migrants must follow this process, and the law, like everyone else. I strongly support legal immigration which we need.
I understand the argument for compassion. My faith is at the core of who I am. I believe we should show kindness to our fellow man, and I also believe we should help our neighbors. It is why when I was young, I had planned to become a pastor and why I spent so many years doing jail ministry. I can’t imagine the dire circumstances that cause these migrants to leave their homes, and I pray that God watches over them.
But we cannot set state policies based on empathy alone. We have to prioritize Minnesota and Minnesota citizens above all. An open border, a policy of laying out the welcome mat for waves of migrants, and a sanctuary state designation put a strain on law enforcement, social services, and our schools – all at a significant cost to taxpayers. That is simply wrong.
If we can’t get the border under control, we no longer have a country. Compounding the crisis by making Minnesota a sanctuary state runs counter to our core principles – upholding the law, fiscal responsibility, and public safety.
I will oppose any effort to make Minnesota a sanctuary state.
God Bless,