Minnesota council's preliminary report says last winter's federal immigration surge detained 70+ children and cost Twin Cities workers $244 million in wages

L2Who’s affected

80% of public school leaders statewide said the surge hurt students' ability to learn, and 95% of Twin Cities metro schools reported increased absences (University of Minnesota CAREI survey, via the council's data report). In Willmar, nearly 30% of students, roughly 936, stayed home on an average day the week of Jan. 12 after a student was detained. Children's Minnesota reported an 80% increase in missed pediatric care for Spanish-speaking families compared with the previous two years (data report; Star Tribune).

L3Why it’s quiet

Analysis · OVERLOOKED The Star Tribune says the figures were drawn from studies and data already released this year. The report came out the weekend before Election Day, and we did not find coverage by the 13 major U.S. outlets.

L4Deeper impact

Workers in Minneapolis and St. Paul lost an estimated $244 million in wages, and surveyed Minneapolis businesses lost an estimated $445 million in revenue, including about $82.8 million for restaurants and $63.6 million for retail ("Economic Damage" data report, citing UC San Diego's U.S. Immigration Policy Center). Council chair Peter Cahill, a retired Hennepin County judge, wrote that the federal government's actions "violated the U.S. and Minnesota Constitutions and laid waste to due process and the rule of law" (MPR News).

L5Full context

Walz created the 15-member council in March; it has no subpoena power or law enforcement authority (Star Tribune). It was established by Executive Order 26-05 (WCCO). It held listening sessions around the state, and the report also recounts community mutual aid and protests (MPR News). The final report, with findings and recommendations, goes to the governor, legislative leaders and Minnesota's congressional delegation on Dec. 1 (WCCO).

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