Trump White House Criticizes Minnesota’s Immigration Policies After Fatal Vehicular Incident
The Trump administration is escalating its criticism of Minnesota’s immigration policies, specifically targeting the state’s handling of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainers. This renewed focus follows a tragic incident involving an Ecuadorian national, German Adriano Llangari Inga, who is charged with criminal vehicular homicide in connection with a drunk driving accident last August. The accident resulted in the death of Victoria Eileen Harwell and injuries to her teenage daughter and sister, according to local news reports.
White House Principal Deputy Communications Director Alex Pfeiffer issued a strongly worded statement to Fox News Digital, directly blaming Democratic leaders for the situation. "An illegal immigrant drove drunk, killed an innocent mother, and is now on the run because Democrats didn’t do their most important job: protect their constituents," Pfeiffer asserted. He further connected the incident to the Trump administration’s efforts to hold "so-called sanctuary jurisdictions accountable."
The core of the dispute lies in the fact that the Hennepin County Jail did not honor an ICE detainer placed on Llangari Inga after his arrest. An ICE spokesperson confirmed to Fox News Digital that the detainer was issued on August 4, 2024, following Llangari’s arrest for criminal vehicular homicide. However, the Hennepin County Jail released Llangari on August 6, 2024, without notifying ICE, and he remains at large.
ICE records indicate that Llangari Inga initially entered the United States in June 2016 and was subsequently detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. He was then issued an order of expedited removal and placed into removal proceedings.
The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) defended its actions, stating that it was adhering to guidance issued by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison regarding immigration-related matters. According to the Sheriff’s Office, they cannot lawfully hold individuals in custody based solely on an administrative detainer issued by the Department of Homeland Security or ICE.
The HCSO statement clarified that if a judicially-signed warrant is presented, ICE will be notified when the Sheriff’s Office becomes the holding agency. However, in the absence of such a warrant, individuals must be released once all criminal charges or holds have been resolved. The Sheriff’s Office emphasized its commitment to working with federal and local partners while honoring the constitutional rights of all individuals.
Fox News Digital reportedly contacted Mayor Jacob Frey’s office, the Minneapolis Police Department, and Attorney General Ellison’s office for comment on the situation, but no responses were included in the article.
This incident underscores the ongoing conflict between the Trump administration and jurisdictions that have adopted policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement efforts. President Trump has been a vocal critic of "sanctuary cities," arguing that they protect dangerous criminals and undermine national security.
Last month, President Trump signed an Executive Order targeting "sanctuary jurisdictions," potentially jeopardizing their federal funding if they do not modify their immigration policies, particularly in terms of cooperation with federal law enforcement on immigration cases.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has been a staunch defender of the city’s policies. In an interview with MPR News last month, Frey acknowledged the ambiguity of the term "sanctuary city" and stated that Minneapolis does not enforce federal immigration law, as it is not the city’s responsibility. He pointed to a "separation ordinance" in place that prevents police and public officials from collecting information regarding an individual’s immigration status. According to Frey, because the city does not collect such information, they have no information to provide when federal authorities inquire.
Several other Democratic Minnesota officials have voiced support for the state’s approach to immigration enforcement. Representative Ilhan Omar, a Democrat representing Minnesota’s 5th congressional district, has expressed solidarity with undocumented immigrants. State Senator Omar Fateh stated in January, following Trump’s inauguration, that the fear of ICE raids was a real concern in Minnesota communities. He called for "bold leadership" that prioritizes progressive values and local communities.
The situation surrounding Llangari Inga has reignited the debate over sanctuary policies and the appropriate level of cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. Critics argue that such policies hinder the apprehension of dangerous individuals and endanger public safety. Supporters maintain that they protect vulnerable communities, ensure equal treatment under the law, and promote trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities. The Trump administration’s increased scrutiny of Minnesota’s policies suggests that this debate will continue to intensify in the coming months. The case also brings to light the potential consequences of differing interpretations and enforcement of immigration laws, particularly when they intersect with local law enforcement practices and tragic events.
