Minnesota Sanctuary Status and Protections for Undocumented Immigrants in 2025

Key Takeaways

• Minnesota became an official sanctuary state by DHS on July 8, 2025, with Minneapolis and St. Paul included.
• Undocumented immigrants can get driver’s licenses and education benefits, but MinnesotaCare health coverage for them ends in 2026.
• Federal government pressures sanctuary areas to change policies, but state and local leaders strongly defend these protections.

Minnesota’s Sanctuary State Status and Protections for Undocumented Immigrants in 2025: An Analytical Review

Purpose and Scope Statement

This analysis examines Minnesota’s status as a sanctuary state in 2025, focusing on the specific protections and policies in place for undocumented immigrants. The report covers the legal framework, recent legislative changes, the practical effects for immigrant communities, and the ongoing tensions between state and federal authorities. The scope includes both statewide and local policies, with particular attention to Minneapolis, and considers the roles of key stakeholders such as state officials, federal agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and advocacy organizations.

Methodology

This review draws on official government documents, public statements from state and federal officials, legislative records, and reports from advocacy groups. Data is synthesized from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, the Minnesota Department of Human Services, and the Immigration Law Center of Minnesota. The analysis also references recent legislative actions and public statements to provide a comprehensive picture of the current policy environment. Where relevant, links to official resources are provided for further reference.

Key Findings

• Minnesota is officially recognized as a sanctuary state by DHS as of July 8, 2025, along with 20 counties and the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
• Sanctuary policies limit cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, especially regarding information sharing and detainer requests.
• Undocumented immigrants in Minnesota have access to driver’s licenses, some health care services (until 2026), and educational benefits such as free college tuition for eligible students.
• Recent legislative changes have reduced some benefits, notably the repeal of MinnesotaCare health coverage for undocumented adults effective January 1, 2026.
• Federal pressure on sanctuary jurisdictions has increased, with DHS issuing formal notifications demanding policy changes.
• Local officials and advocacy groups continue to defend sanctuary policies, emphasizing community trust and public safety.

Data Presentation and Visual Descriptions

To clarify the current landscape, the following sections present data and policy details using bullet points, tables, and comparisons. This approach highlights trends, patterns, and the practical effects of Minnesota’s sanctuary status.

Sanctuary State Designation: Minnesota in 2025

Definition and Criteria

A sanctuary state is a state where local and state government agencies limit their cooperation with federal immigration authorities, especially Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This can include:

• Not honoring ICE detainer requests (requests to hold individuals for ICE pickup)
• Restricting the sharing of immigration status information with federal agencies
• Prohibiting local police from asking about immigration status during routine stops

Minnesota’s Status

• Official Designation: On May 29, 2025, DHS named Minnesota a sanctuary state, citing non-compliance with federal immigration enforcement and legal protections for undocumented immigrants.
• Local Jurisdictions: 20 counties and two major cities—Minneapolis and St. Paul—are also listed as sanctuary jurisdictions.
• Policy Drivers: The designation is based on state and local laws, executive orders, and law enforcement practices that restrict cooperation with ICE.

Visual Summary Table: Sanctuary Status in Minnesota (2025)

Protections and Policies for Undocumented Immigrants

Driver’s Licenses for All

• Policy: Since October 1, 2023, all Minnesota residents, regardless of immigration status, can apply for a standard driver’s license.
• Impact: About 81,000 undocumented immigrants have become eligible for licenses, making it easier for them to work, take children to school, and participate in daily life.
• Application Process: Applicants do not need to provide proof of legal immigration status. For more details, visit the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

Health Care Access

• MinnesotaCare Expansion: In 2024, MinnesotaCare, the state’s public health insurance program, was expanded to include undocumented immigrants.
• Legislative Reversal: In June 2025, the Minnesota Legislature passed a measure to remove undocumented adults from MinnesotaCare eligibility, effective January 1, 2026. This change was part of a budget compromise.
• Current Status: Undocumented immigrants remain eligible for MinnesotaCare through the end of 2025, but will lose coverage starting in 2026.

Education Access

• North Star Promise: Enacted in 2023, this program provides free college tuition at in-state schools for all financially eligible students, regardless of immigration status.
• Minnesota Dream Act: Since 2013, undocumented students meeting certain criteria have been eligible for in-state tuition and state financial aid.

Local Law Enforcement and ICE Cooperation

• Non-Cooperation Policies: Local police in Minneapolis and other sanctuary jurisdictions do not ask about immigration status during routine stops and do not honor ICE detainer requests unless required by law.
• Community Trust: These policies aim to build trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement, encouraging crime reporting and cooperation.

Comparisons, Trends, and Patterns

Minnesota vs. Other States

• Number of Sanctuary States: As of July 2025, Minnesota is one of a small but growing number of states officially recognized as sanctuary states by DHS.
• Policy Breadth: Minnesota’s policies are among the most inclusive, especially regarding driver’s licenses and education access.
• Federal-State Tensions: The state’s approach reflects a broader national trend of increasing conflict between state/local governments and federal immigration authorities.

Trends Over Time

• 2013: Minnesota Dream Act expands education access for undocumented students.
• 2023: Driver’s licenses for all law takes effect.
• 2024: MinnesotaCare expanded to undocumented immigrants.
• 2025: Repeal of MinnesotaCare coverage for undocumented adults passed, effective 2026.
• 2025: Federal government increases pressure on sanctuary jurisdictions, including Minnesota.

Pattern of Policy Expansion and Retrenchment

• Expansion: Over the past decade, Minnesota has steadily expanded rights and benefits for undocumented immigrants.
• Retrenchment: The 2025 repeal of health care coverage signals a possible shift, driven by budget concerns and political compromise.

Evidence-Based Conclusions

Impact on Undocumented Immigrants

• Positive Effects: Sanctuary policies and inclusive state laws have improved daily life for many undocumented immigrants in Minnesota. Access to driver’s licenses and education reduces barriers to employment and social participation.
• Reduced Fear: By limiting cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, sanctuary policies help reduce fear of deportation, making it more likely that immigrants will report crimes and seek help from authorities.
• Uncertainty Ahead: The upcoming loss of MinnesotaCare coverage in 2026 and ongoing federal pressure create uncertainty for undocumented immigrants and their families.

Federal-State Conflict

• Escalating Tensions: The federal government, under DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and following President Trump’s executive order, has intensified efforts to force sanctuary jurisdictions to comply with federal immigration laws.
• Formal Notifications: Minnesota and its sanctuary cities and counties have received formal demands to revise their policies, with threats of funding cuts or legal action.
• State Response: Governor Tim Walz and local officials, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, have publicly defended sanctuary policies, arguing they are essential for public safety and community trust.

Role of Advocacy Groups

• Legal Support: Organizations like the Immigration Law Center of Minnesota provide legal assistance and advocate for the rights of undocumented immigrants.
• Policy Defense: Advocacy groups play a key role in defending sanctuary policies and educating the public about their benefits.

Limitations of the Analysis

• Rapid Policy Changes: Immigration policy at both the state and federal levels can change quickly, especially in response to political shifts. The information presented is current as of July 8, 2025, but future developments may alter the landscape.
• Data Gaps: Precise numbers on the undocumented population and the full impact of policy changes are difficult to obtain due to the nature of undocumented status.
• Local Variation: While statewide policies set the framework, implementation can vary by county and city, leading to differences in how protections are applied.

Practical Guidance and Next Steps

For undocumented immigrants and their families in Minnesota:

• Driver’s Licenses: You can still apply for a standard driver’s license regardless of your immigration status. Visit the Minnesota Department of Public Safety for application details.
• Health Care: If you are currently enrolled in MinnesotaCare, be aware that coverage for undocumented adults will end on January 1, 2026. Explore alternative health care options and stay informed about any policy changes.
• Education: If you are a student, you may qualify for free college tuition or in-state tuition under the North Star Promise and Minnesota Dream Act. Contact your school’s financial aid office for guidance.
• Legal Help: If you need legal assistance or have questions about your rights, contact the Immigration Law Center of Minnesota or similar advocacy organizations.

For local officials and advocates:

• Monitor Policy Changes: Stay updated on federal and state actions that may affect sanctuary status and immigrant protections.
• Community Outreach: Continue building trust with immigrant communities by providing clear information and support.
• Advocacy: Work with state and national organizations to defend inclusive policies and respond to federal challenges.

Official Resources

• Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services
• Minnesota Department of Human Services – MinnesotaCare
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Immigration Enforcement
• Immigration Law Center of Minnesota (for legal assistance and advocacy)

Conclusion

Minnesota’s sanctuary state status in 2025 reflects a decade-long commitment to inclusive policies for undocumented immigrants, especially in areas like driver’s licenses and education. However, the recent repeal of health care coverage for undocumented adults and increased federal pressure signal a more uncertain future. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the ongoing conflict between state and federal authorities is likely to shape the next phase of immigration policy in Minnesota. For now, undocumented immigrants in Minneapolis and across the state benefit from some of the strongest protections in the country, but they must remain alert to changing laws and enforcement priorities.

By staying informed and connected to trusted resources, both immigrants and advocates can better navigate the evolving landscape and protect the rights and well-being of Minnesota’s diverse communities.

Learn Today

Sanctuary State → A state limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect undocumented immigrants.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) → Federal agency enforcing immigration laws and detaining undocumented individuals.
MinnesotaCare → State public health insurance program that included undocumented immigrants until coverage repeal in 2026.
Driver’s License Policy → Allows all residents, regardless of immigration status, to apply for standard driver’s licenses.
Minnesota Dream Act → Law enabling undocumented students to access in-state tuition and state financial aid.

This Article in a Nutshell

Minnesota’s sanctuary state status in 2025 offers undocumented immigrants driver’s licenses, education access, and limited health care. Despite federal pressure, local leaders defend these policies to build community trust amid shifting state benefits and uncertain future enforcement priorities.
— By VisaVerge.com