Committee approves STAR Act to limit state and local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement

Senate File 4176, introduced by Senator Fatai, would limit state and local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and create protections for sensitive locations including schools, healthcare facilities and courthouses. The bill also would create a state-level cause of action against federal officials in some circumstances and codify applicable precedents protecting students regardless of immigration status.

A wide set of community organizations and experts testified in favor. Thao Mei Zhang of the Coalition of Asian American Leaders recounted the coalition’s emergency legal work since recent enforcement actions and argued the bill protects constitutional rights and due process. Aaron Spovda of the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs summarized survey results showing immigration and discrimination as top concerns among respondents. Mary Niedermeier (CAPI) and Perla Ramos provided accounts of retraumatized families and local enforcement actions that led residents to fear using services. Dr. Karen Wills, a pediatric psychologist, told the committee that federal enforcement presence in hospitals and nursing homes undermines child development and access to care.

Opponents framed the measure as effectively embedding sanctuary policies into state institutions; supporters responded that the bill restores trust and clarifies lawful boundaries between state and federal authority. Committee members engaged in extended questioning and debate. A roll call was recorded and staff reported the result as 6 ayes, 4 noes, and 2 excused; the committee recommended the bill to pass and referred it to the Judiciary Committee.

The transcript records witnesses, members’ statements, and the roll-call result. Specific statutory text and amendments were discussed at length during the hearing; readers should consult the bill text for precise legal language.