For Immediate Release
August 2, 2025
As a candidate for Governor of Minnesota in 2026, I am deeply disturbed by the case of Qalinle Ibrahim Dirie, a 42-year-old Somali immigrant convicted of the heinous first-degree criminal sexual conduct against a 12-year-old girl in Minneapolis. This predator, who abducted and raped a child in broad daylight, was sentenced to just 12 years in prison on July 29, 2025— the minimum under current guidelines—despite the lifelong trauma inflicted on the victim and her family. As Governor, I would ensure that individuals like Dirie, if not U.S. citizens, are swiftly removed from our state and country upon completion of their sentences, prioritizing the safety of Minnesotans over any misguided notions of leniency or cultural relativism. This case exemplifies the urgent need for stronger enforcement of our immigration laws to protect our communities from those who exploit our generosity and commit unforgivable crimes.
Minnesota must end any semblance of sanctuary policies that shield criminal aliens from accountability. As Governor, I would exercise my executive authority to direct state agencies, including the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and the State Patrol, to fully cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal authorities in identifying, detaining, and deporting individuals like Dirie who pose a threat to public safety. Under federal law, such as 8 U.S.C. § 1373, states are required to share information with ICE regarding immigration status, and I would issue executive orders mandating compliance across all state and local law enforcement entities. This includes honoring ICE detainers in our prisons and jails, ensuring that convicted criminals are not released back into our neighborhoods without federal review.
Furthermore, I would actively pursue participation in the federal 287(g) program, which empowers trained local officers to perform immigration enforcement functions under ICE supervision. This proven initiative has helped states like Texas and Florida remove thousands of dangerous offenders, and Minnesota deserves the same level of protection. As Governor, I have the power to negotiate and implement such agreements, allocating state resources to train personnel and integrate operations with ICE field offices. I would also work with the Minnesota Legislature to pass laws prohibiting local jurisdictions from adopting sanctuary measures, withholding state funding from any that defy federal immigration priorities, much like President Trump’s crackdown on sanctuary cities, which I proudly supported in my May 31, 2025, statement. There, I declared my full backing for measures that hold accountable cities harboring criminals, emphasizing that “sanctuary policies endanger lives and undermine the rule of law.”
This aligns directly with my vision for Minnesota, as outlined on my campaign website, parrish4mn.com, where I commit to “a legal, practical, and compassionate approach to immigration that prioritizes our state’s workforce needs, protects our current citizens, and upholds the rule of law.” I have pledged to establish a streamlined Office of Workforce Integration to vet and match legally authorized immigrants with employers, but only after prioritizing job placement for Minnesota citizens first through robust training programs. Immigration must be “orderly and lawful, aligning with federal regulations to maintain fairness and security,” and we must be “vigilant against fraud and exploitation.” This includes collaborating with federal agencies for thorough background checks and using tools like E-Verify to ensure only authorized workers are hired, cracking down on employers who exploit vulnerable immigrants or undercut wages for Minnesotans.
The Dirie case is not isolated; it highlights broader failures in our immigration system that allow dangerous individuals to remain in our communities. Minnesota, home to one of the largest Somali diasporas, has seen cultural clashes and crimes that demand accountability, not excuses from community leaders who shockingly supported leniency in this instance. As a retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander with 21 years of intelligence experience, I know the importance of securing our borders and enforcing laws to prevent threats from taking root. If elected Governor, I will make public safety my top priority, ensuring that criminals like Dirie are deported without delay, and that Minnesota cooperates fully with ICE to safeguard our families and restore trust in our justice system.
Phillip C. Parrish
Candidate for Governor of Minnesota 2026
parrish4mn.com
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