Hennepin County sheriff says department is a 'scapegoat' despite cooperation with ICE
Thu Feb 05 2026
For the first time, Hennepin County sheriff Dawanna Witt spoke about her cooperation with ICE. Sheriff Witt said she has had “healthy” conversations with Tom Homan, the White House official in charge of the Minnesota immigration enforcement surge. Homan has said that federal officials could reduce the number of agents if jails, like Hennepin County, would cooperate and hand over inmates.
NPR’s Meg Anderson spoke with Sheriff Witt about her cooperation and abiding by state law.
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For the first time, Hennepin County sheriff Dawanna Witt spoke about her cooperation with ICE. Sheriff Witt said she has had “healthy” conversations with Tom Homan, the White House official in charge of the Minnesota immigration enforcement surge. Homan has said that federal officials could reduce the number of agents if jails, like Hennepin County, would cooperate and hand over inmates. NPR’s Meg Anderson spoke with Sheriff Witt about her cooperation and abiding by state law.