Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.) officials have been rounding-up illegal aliens around Minnesota, mostly those with criminal records, and mostly in the state's metro areas. That includes some documented enforcement activities in the St. Cloud metro area. CMBA members recently began reporting that immigrant workers were staying home out of fear of I.C.E. enforcement activities, and some have asked what CMBA can do to help.

CMBA Government Affairs consultant, Steve Gottwalt, reached-out to 6th District Congressman Tom Emmer's office and spoke with his chief-of-staff, Taylor Reaves.  "Ms. Reaves was very helpful," said Gottwalt. "She has an immigration law background, and was able to share more information about I.C.E. activities and priorities."

According to Reaves, I.C.E.'s recent "surge" in Minnesota focuses primarily on detaining and potentially deporting illegal aliens who have criminal records and for whom I.C.E. has warrants. She said it is also possible that in the course of that activity, I.C.E. would detain other illegal aliens they encounter.  Reaves told Gottwalt people who are here legally have "nothing to fear." And, while she could not give a specific time frame, she indicated the I.C.E. surge in Minnesota would not be long-term because the agency does not have resources to continue that level of intensity in one state.

Reaves also told Gottwalt that employers only have the obligation to request and retain copies of immigration status documents. Employers are not required to run background checks or enforce immigration laws.

"We understand the current I.C.E. enforcement activities have raised concerns for some immigrant workers in our area, and that they may not want to come to work," said Gottwalt. "But we are being told this should be a short-term challenge."  Gottwalt reiterated Ms. Reaves assurance that those who are here legally have nothing to fear.

CMBA members with concerns about I.C.E. activities and impacts to their workforce are encouraged to contact Gottwalt:  steve@cmbaonline.org, 952-923-5265.

#     #     #