Federal immigration officials have adopted a new strategy, threatening to criminally prosecute elected county sheriffs in Minneapolis and Chicago. This action stems from the sheriffs' refusal to grant Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents access to inmates within their jails for immigration enforcement purposes.

U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions previously announced that the Department of Justice would withhold funding from cities and states that do not comply with federal immigration laws. This new threat from ICE appears to be an escalation of that policy, directly targeting local law enforcement officials who have adopted sanctuary policies.

The sheriffs in both Cook County, Illinois (Chicago) and Hennepin County, Minnesota (Minneapolis) have publicly stated their opposition to cooperating with ICE detainers and requests, citing concerns about civil liberties and the potential for racial profiling. They argue that their primary responsibility is to the residents of their counties, not to federal immigration enforcement.

ICE has indicated that these sheriffs are obstructing federal law enforcement efforts and that their jurisdictions could face legal consequences. The standoff highlights the ongoing tensions between federal and local authorities over immigration policy.