Border Patrol (part of Customs and Border Protection)
Border Patrol is the uniformed enforcement arm of CBP, also within the Department of Homeland Security.
Duties: Prevents illegal entry between official crossing points along the Canadian and Mexican borders and coastal waters, apprehends individuals crossing illegally, interdicts drugs, and conducts search and rescue. Operates within 100 miles of any U.S. border.
CBP officers work at official ports of entry (airports, seaports, land crossings), inspecting travelers and goods.
Local Police Departments
Established by city or county governments under state law and main duties include enforcing state law, local criminal laws, responding to emergencies, investigating crimes, traffic enforcement, and community policing.
We are fortunate to have had a long standing tradition of solid cooperation among state and federal law enforcement, especially after my friend Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark, and their dog Gilbert were assassinated at their home in June. That’s why I’m disappointed the federal government has decided to remove the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension from the case. These are standards and expectations Minnesotans deserve; a thorough and collaborative investigation so no stone is left unturned.
We are good people in Minnesota. We care about our neighbors. There are many people living in our communities across our state who, while not citizens, are documented, working, and contributing to our economy and society. They deserve to feel safe and welcomed. If your rights have been violated by federal immigration agents, as we have seen happen with increased regularity in recent days, please let the Minnesota Attorney General's Office know about it.
 Attorney General Keith Ellison now has a website to report and compile these violations we’ve seen from ICE officers in our community.
What is the Insurrection Act?
I’ve also received a lot of questions about the federal Insurrection Act President Trump has said he may invoke.
The Insurrection Act allows the president to deploy National Guard and active-duty armed forces anywhere in the country to suppress rebellions and insurrection.
Once invoked, the Insurrection Act enables the president to use the military to conduct civilian law enforcement in our cities and states. It has only been used in response to 30 crises in our nation’s history – and never invoked across the nation at scale. Historically, presidents take this action at the request of governors. The most recent usage was by President George H.W. Bush during the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles in 1992, at the request of the governor of California.
Mental Health Resources
Lastly, I want to remind our neighbors about 988. In 2022, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline transitioned to a new service with an easier-to-remember number to help those in need. Now, by dialing or texting 988, a trained mental health counselor is available 24 hours a day, seven days per week if you or someone close to you is experiencing a crisis. Traditional approaches in response to 911 calls aren’t always best equipped to respond to mental health crises, and the new number will help ensure people can quickly get support. This service is free and confidential.
Keep in Touch
I've watched our neighbors help each other through tough times, standing together when it would be easier to look away. I am very proud to represent you and our Rosemount, Apple Valley, and Eagan neighbors at the State Capitol.
Please continue to reach out with questions, input, and ideas about how I can help.
Take care,
John
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