Statement from Phillip C. Parrish, Candidate for Governor of Minnesota 2026
For Immediate Release
May 31, 2025
As a proud Minnesotan and candidate for Governor in 2026, I unequivocally support the Trump administration’s decisive actions to address the dangers posed by sanctuary city policies in Minnesota. The Department of Homeland Security’s recent designation of Minneapolis, St. Paul, and 20 Minnesota counties as noncompliant “sanctuary jurisdictions” under Executive Order 14287 is a necessary wake-up call for our state. These policies, which obstruct federal immigration enforcement and shield illegal activity, undermine the rule of law, threaten public safety, and burden our communities. I stand firmly with President Trump in demanding immediate reform to secure Minnesota and protect its citizens.
Minnesota’s sanctuary policies, such as refusing to honor ICE detainer requests and limiting cooperation with federal authorities, have created havens for criminal activity and strained our resources. These misguided measures prioritize politics over the safety of our families, schools, and neighborhoods. As Governor, I will take bold, concrete steps to reverse this dangerous trend and ensure Minnesota is a state that upholds the law and prioritizes its citizens.
Actions I Will Take to Secure Minnesota:
1. End Sanctuary Policies Statewide: I will work with the legislature to pass laws prohibiting sanctuary jurisdictions, ensuring all cities and counties fully cooperate with ICE and federal immigration authorities. Noncompliance will face strict penalties, including the loss of state funding.
2. Strengthen Law Enforcement: I will increase funding and resources for our police and sheriff’s departments to enhance coordination with federal agencies, enabling them to safely and effectively address illegal immigration and related criminal activity.
3. Protect Minnesota Taxpayers: Sanctuary policies divert resources from our schools, healthcare, and infrastructure to support illegal immigration. I will redirect these funds to prioritize Minnesotans, ensuring our communities thrive.
4. Enhance Border Security Cooperation: Minnesota may not border Mexico, but we feel the ripple effects of unsecured borders. I will collaborate with federal authorities to monitor and address illegal immigration pathways into our state, including through transportation hubs.
5. Promote Legal Immigration: While cracking down on illegal activity, I will champion a fair, orderly legal immigration system that respects Minnesota’s values and contributes to our economy and culture.
The Trump administration has shown the courage to confront the failures of sanctuary policies head-on, and I applaud their commitment to restoring law and order. Minnesota deserves a Governor who will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with President Trump to secure our state, protect our citizens, and uphold the principles that make America great. As your next Governor, I pledge to deliver on these promises and make Minnesota a beacon of safety, prosperity, and opportunity for all who call it home.
Phillip C. Parrish
Candidate for Governor of Minnesota 2026
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