Lawyers in Sanctuary Cities Plan to Aid Undocumented Migrants in Avoiding ICE, Revealed in Group Email

Minneapolis has become the latest battleground in the fight between law and order under President Trump’s leadership and the radical left’s relentless push for open borders. Leaked emails have exposed a coordinated effort by local defense attorneys to shield illegal immigrants from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), directly undermining federal law and national security. These revelations provide further evidence that sanctuary cities are not just failing to cooperate with ICE, but are actively obstructing the enforcement of immigration laws, even as President Trump has worked tirelessly to restore order to a system that has been exploited for far too long.

The emails, which were circulated among members of the Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, reveal an orchestrated strategy to keep ICE from apprehending illegal immigrants, even those with criminal charges. The timing of these exchanges is particularly revealing—on the very same day that Minnesota’s radical leftist Attorney General, Keith Ellison, released a legal opinion stating that local law enforcement could not detain individuals on ICE detainers alone. This move was a direct attempt to shield illegal aliens from deportation, further proving the left’s commitment to protecting non-citizens over law-abiding Americans.

One email, ominously titled “ICE at the PSF,” warned attorneys that plainclothes ICE officers had been spotted at the Hennepin County Public Safety Facility. Instead of upholding the law and allowing ICE to remove individuals who are in the country illegally, the attorneys instead conspired to use legal loopholes to keep their clients from facing the consequences of breaking U.S. immigration laws.

A particularly disturbing tactic suggested in the emails was the use of Zoom hearings instead of in-person court appearances, allowing illegal immigrants to avoid ICE entirely. This blatant obstruction of justice is yet another example of how sanctuary cities enable lawlessness, protecting those who have no legal right to remain in the country. The move to keep illegal immigrants out of ICE’s reach is not just about evading deportation—it’s about undermining federal law and further weakening the very foundation of our immigration system.

President Trump, in his unwavering commitment to the rule of law and American sovereignty, has taken strong action to counteract these dangerous sanctuary policies. Under his administration, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reversed the disastrous guidelines put in place by the previous administration that limited ICE operations in so-called “sensitive locations”. This move has given ICE the freedom to do its job—identifying, detaining, and deporting those who violate our immigration laws.

The results of these policies speak for themselves. On January 27 alone, ICE arrested nearly 1,000 illegal immigrants, proving that the Trump administration’s return to strong enforcement is working. A DHS spokesperson emphasized that this crackdown is targeting criminal aliens who pose a direct threat to American communities—a stark contrast to the lawlessness encouraged by Democratic politicians who have turned entire cities into safe havens for those who violate our laws.

Among those leading the charge to block ICE from doing its job is Ronnie Santana of the Tamburino Law Group, who encouraged fellow attorneys to pool their resources to ensure that hearings for illegal immigrants be conducted virtually, making it easier for them to evade federal law enforcement. His statements expose a clear and intentional strategy to obstruct ICE and facilitate continued lawlessness.

Another attorney, JaneAnne Murray, described how she had successfully manipulated the legal system to secure a Zoom appearance for her client, thereby ensuring that ICE had no opportunity to detain them. She even warned others not to leave a paper trail, a clear indication that these attorneys know exactly what they are doing—circumventing federal law while hiding their tracks.

The emails also reveal that some liberal-leaning judges in Minnesota have been complicit in these efforts, actively approving Zoom hearings to help illegal immigrants avoid justice. Barry Cattadoris of the Third Judicial District Public Defender’s Office admitted that some judges were willing participants in this scheme, further proving the extent of institutionalized resistance to Trump’s tough-on-immigration stance. When the judiciary itself is bending the rules to protect those who entered the country illegally, it raises serious concerns about the integrity of our legal system.

Cattadoris also noted that even illegal immigrants without criminal records are now being detained—an essential step in restoring order to an immigration system that has been abused for far too long. The Trump administration has made it clear: if you are in the country illegally, you are subject to removal, regardless of whether or not you have committed additional crimes. The days of selective enforcement and weak border policies are over.

Some attorneys went even further, discussing ways to deceive the courts by citing unrelated reasons—such as the need for an interpreter—to justify Zoom hearings and keep illegal immigrants from being detained. This level of deception and manipulation should outrage every law-abiding American, as it exposes just how far the radical left is willing to go to sabotage federal law enforcement efforts.

Liberal advocacy groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), are actively aiding in these efforts to undermine ICE’s ability to do its job. ACLU attorney Alicia Granse made it clear that her organization is focused on preventing ICE from operating freely at courthouses and jails, making it even harder to remove those who are in the country unlawfully. These so-called “civil rights” groups are not advocating for justice—they are advocating for an open borders agenda that endangers American lives and weakens national security.

Meanwhile, ICE continues its vital mission of removing illegal immigrants and restoring law and order, conducting removal flights to send those who entered illegally back to their home countries. The Trump administration has made it clear that immigration laws will be enforced, and sanctuary policies will not stand in the way of justice.

Despite the left’s constant attempts to obstruct enforcement, the American people overwhelmingly support President Trump’s strong stance on immigration. His administration’s actions have sent a clear message: the days of weak, politically motivated immigration policies are over. The era of law and order is here.

The situation in Minneapolis is not unique—it is a reflection of the larger ideological battle taking place in cities across the nation. The resistance to federal immigration enforcement from radical activists, defense attorneys, and liberal politicians demonstrates just how deeply entrenched the open-borders agenda has become. But the Trump administration is fighting back, exposing the corruption, closing loopholes, and putting America first.

As this fight continues, sanctuary cities must be held accountable for their role in harboring illegal immigrants and obstructing justice. The American people deserve a government that prioritizes their safety, their economy, and their future—not one that bends over backward to accommodate those who break our laws. With President Trump leading the charge, the days of unchecked illegal immigration are coming to an end, and America’s sovereignty is being restored.