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Vance Escalates Immigration Debate with Minneapolis Visit

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  Published in House and Home on Thursday, February 12th 2026 at 7:22 GMT by WTOP News
      Locale: Minnesota, UNITED STATES

Congressman Vance Escalates Immigration Debate with Minneapolis Visit, Calls for End to Sanctuary Policies

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - February 12th, 2026 - Congressman J.D. Vance (R-OH) today intensified the national debate over immigration enforcement during a highly-charged visit to Minneapolis. Vance, a vocal proponent of stricter border control and interior enforcement, directly challenged the city's sanctuary policies, arguing they prioritize political ideology over public safety and undermine the rule of law. His visit follows a similar trip made two years prior by North Carolina Representative Dan Bishop, signaling a sustained conservative effort to pressure municipalities with protective immigration policies.

Vance met with a diverse group of stakeholders, including Minneapolis Mayor Karen Anderson, Police Chief Michael Bell, representatives from immigrant advocacy groups, and concerned citizens. The Congressman's message was consistent: Minneapolis's refusal to fully cooperate with federal immigration authorities, specifically U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), creates a haven for criminal activity and strains resources for law enforcement.

"The situation in Minneapolis is a microcosm of a much larger national problem," Vance stated in a press conference held outside Minneapolis City Hall. "Cities that embrace sanctuary policies are not simply offering humanitarian aid; they are actively obstructing justice and endangering their own residents. We have seen, time and again, instances where individuals shielded by these policies have gone on to commit serious crimes. This isn't about opposing immigration; it's about enforcing the laws of this country."

Vance specifically pointed to a recent case - the details of which were released earlier this week - involving a repeat offender with a history of violent crime who was released from local custody despite an ICE detainer request. This incident, Vance argued, is a direct consequence of Minneapolis's policies and a betrayal of the trust placed in local law enforcement. [ Link to Minneapolis Police Department official statement on the recent case ].

Mayor Anderson, however, vehemently defended the city's policies. "Minneapolis is a welcoming city for all, and we believe that everyone deserves due process and fair treatment," she countered. "Our sanctuary policies are rooted in principles of human dignity and social justice. We will not sacrifice the safety and well-being of our communities by turning into an extension of ICE. We prioritize building trust with all residents, regardless of their immigration status, because that's what truly makes our city safe."

The debate over sanctuary cities has become increasingly polarized in recent years. Proponents argue that these policies protect vulnerable immigrants from deportation, allowing them to report crimes without fear of reprisal and contributing to the economic vitality of their communities. Opponents contend that sanctuary policies encourage illegal immigration, strain public resources, and put public safety at risk.

Several studies have attempted to analyze the impact of sanctuary policies on crime rates, but the results have been inconclusive. A 2025 report by the Center for Immigration Studies [ Link to Center for Immigration Studies report ] found a correlation between sanctuary policies and increased violent crime in certain jurisdictions, while a counter-report by the American Immigration Council [ Link to American Immigration Council report ] argued that these policies have no statistically significant impact on crime rates.

Vance's visit to Minneapolis is part of a larger national strategy by conservative lawmakers to challenge sanctuary policies in court and through legislative action. Several states have already passed laws prohibiting sanctuary policies, and similar legislation is being considered in Congress. The Congressman hinted at potential federal action during his press conference, stating that the Biden administration has been too slow to address the issue and that a more assertive approach is needed.

The Congressman plans to continue his tour, with stops scheduled in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City - all major metropolitan areas with significant immigrant populations and protective immigration policies. The Minneapolis visit is widely seen as a signal that Vance intends to become a leading voice in the national immigration debate, and his message is likely to resonate with voters concerned about border security and public safety.