About the North STAR Act.
North STAR prohibits state and local law enforcement from using state resources for the purpose of civil immigration enforcement. This includes sharing data or accepting federal funds that would require such cooperation. It does not prohibit collaboration on the basis of investigating criminal activity.
Immigration enforcement is the sole responsibility of the federal government. State law enforcement agencies do not have the legal authority to hold people on immigration detainer unless specially authorized to do so by the federal government, and the federal government cannot mandate compliance with immigration detainers. So state and local law enforcement can leave immigration to federal authorities while remaining in full compliance with state and federal laws. This frees up public safety resources for more appropriate ends.
This legislation is intended to engender trust between immigrant communities and law Enforcement. Currently many immigrants, particularly those who are undocumented, avoid reporting crimes, cooperating with investigations, or seeking emergency services due to fear of detainment or even deportation for doing so. North STAR will also benefit the state of Minnesota economically, as immigrants who may otherwise be ensnared by unauthorized, state level immigration enforcement can continue going about their day to day lives, work, support their families, pay taxes and spend money in the state. Statistics show that 63% of people in ICE detention have no criminal record, and many of them have been charged with minor offenses such as traffic violations. These detainers negatively impact families, cause employers to lose valuable workers, and drain state resources. A study from 2020 showed that jurisdictions that decouple local law enforcement from civil immigration enforcement reduce deportations without increasing crime. Another report from 2017 showed that cities and states with similar policies enjoyed lowered crime rates, higher median income rates, lower unemployment, lower poverty levels and reduced reliance on economic assistance programs.
About the North STAR Coalition
The North STAR Coalition includes dozens of faith-based and social justice organizations representing more than one million Minnesota residents statewide who see this legislation as an urgent moral imperative that will benefit us all. Alliance members believe in the dignity of every human being, without exception. We’ve supported people in ICE detention, helped newly arriving families find their footing, rendered legal aid, posted bail, met with representatives, organized in our communities, and helped win drivers licenses for all.
Our Mission
To ensure that all immigrants in the state of Minnesota can live their lives with the dignity, safety, and respect we all deserve through supporting legislation that protects immigrant communities from unrestricted federal overreach of local and state law enforcement.
Our Values
Safety
Safety is created through valuing difference and seeking to honor the rights of
all people. It is not created by fear of the other that is enforced through exclusion, discrimination and separation.
Trust
Trust that is earned by being accountable to the people, naming where trust has been damaged and working to repair that trust on the terms of those who have been harmed.
Respect
Show immigrants the respect they deserve. Ensure people are treated with dignity regardless of their country of origin or immigration status, and challenge people, laws, and institutions which limit people’s ability to live dignified lives.
