Evidence from credible sources supports the statement as accurate. Learn more in Methodology.
Attorney General Keith Ellison made and/or published the quoted statements regarding noncooperation and civil liability.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison posted a video on social media in January 2025 in which he stated that "there's nothing in American law that requires local officials to cooperate with federal law enforcement officials," a quote reported by Minnesota Public Radio and other outlets describing his stance against being compelled to assist federal immigration enforcement. In a February 6, 2025 formal legal opinion and accompanying press release, Ellison's office wrote that "Minnesota law enforcement agencies risk significant civil liability if they enforce immigration detainers," explaining that state law does not authorize arrests or continued detention based solely on ICE detainers. MinnPost’s coverage of that opinion likewise quotes Ellison saying that, because no Minnesota civil law authorizes immigration detainer arrests, local law enforcement "risk significant civil liability" if they enforce such detainers. These are public statements by Ellison in his official capacity that match the claim.
Verdict: True, because multiple reputable and primary sources confirm that Ellison publicly said local officials are not required to cooperate with federal law enforcement and explicitly warned of significant civil liability for Minnesota agencies that enforce immigration detainers.