Statement in Response to Governor Pawlenty’s Actions Relating to Immigration

Minneapolis / St. Paul, MN (January 8, 2008) – The Advocates for Human Rights is deeply troubled by Governor Pawlenty’s announcement yesterday that he is signing an executive order mandating that certain state law enforcement officials act as federal immigration agents. Immigration law is a federal issue, and placing the burden of enforcement on local officers has very serious repercussions, including jeopardizing public safety and our basic human right to security.

Robin Phillips, Executive Director of The Advocates for Human Rights responded to the actions by stating, “The Governor’s actions stand to damage community policing efforts, create significant fear in immigrant communities, and prevent victims from coming forward. If one victim of domestic violence is too afraid to call, it could mean her life. We take this matter very seriously.”

Similar legislation failed in Minnesota 2006. At the hearings to testify against the legislation were representatives from the Sheriff’s Association, the Police and Peace Officers Association, labor, business, immigrant groups, faith-based organizations, human rights advocates, and community organizations. This outcry from the community was based on the knowledge that piecemeal attempts at controlling immigration at a state level is dangerous and ineffective. It jeopardizes public safety and does nothing to fix core problems with federal immigration law.

The separation ordinances in Minneapolis and St. Paul that the Governor is proposing to overturn mirror policies in cities and states across the U.S., including New York, Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, Santa Fe, Madison, and Baltimore. These policies promote public safety by enabling local law enforcement to establish relationships and trust within immigrant communities. They also prevent racial profiling. Other states that have entered into agreements like one the Governor has agreed to has led to discrimination, racial profiling, and costly subsequent litigation in the courts.

Governor Pawlenty’s actions through executive order and his proposed legislation to overturn separation ordinances puts in peril the public safety and human dignity of the people in our communities. The Advocates for Human Rights supports policies that build and enhance our communities and effectively protect the human rights of all individuals.

To download this statement, click here.