Two members of the local Minnesota Patriots 4 America chapter are the agenda for the Faribault County commissioners’ meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 15.
Brenda Baldwin and Bonnie Anderson will deliver clear a message: there is strong opposition to have a state, county, city or township designated a “sanctuary” for undocumented immigrants.
More than 60 people attended a “ Special Patriots” meeting at the Winnebago school gymnasium Monday night in which Baldwin and Anderson gave a presentation on why they are organizing a petition drive.
Anderson says in the upcoming legislative session state lawmakers will be considering the North Star State Act, which would restrict state officials from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement efforts.
“This is the last push for us to get signatures and a resolution that basically says no, our police are going to be doing what they have been doing,” says Anderson. “We really don’t think the North Star State Act is in the best interest of the state.”
Baldwin says she has had a lengthy discussion with Chief Deputy Scott Adams regarding undocumented immigrants in the county,
“To put your minds at ease, if we have an illegal criminal in our midst they get arrested and the sheriff’s office automatically calls ICE and they come get them and deport them,” says Baldwin.
Anderson warns that if the North Star State Act is passed, local authorities won’t be able to enforce laws.
There are 13 counties in the state that have “sanctuary” status, says Anderson, with Jackson, Watonwan and Noble among the closest to Faribault County.
“The law says they are illegal aliens who are flooding our country and are leeching our tax dollars,” says Anderson.
Since the Monday meeting some residents have been collecting signatures with a goal of at least 850, which is 10 percent of the total number of registered voters in the county.
This weekend volunteers will be canvassing Blue Earth and other cities in the county.
Besides giving the commissioners signed petitions, Baldwin and Anderson will present a resolution opposing the North Star State Act for their approval.
“Faribault County supports legal immigration and the positive impact it provides for our communities and the local and state economy,” says the resolution.
“Faribault County citizens should not be negatively impacted from results caused by illegal immigration and the North Star State Act or future such acts, on the budgeting of taxpayer dollars and public resources.”
The resolution also says the county shall not ever be designated a “sanctuary.”
I signed the petition for not having sanctuary county. Sanctuary will tie our law enforcement hands. If there’s a warrant for a citizen in another state there is extradition. Extradition should also be for illegal immigrants in criminal acts.