Over 300 people share concerns with Commissioner Conley about Hennepin County Sheriff's conduct at Whipple Building

Commissioners ask ICE to withdraw and end Operation Metro Surge

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District 4 Hennepin County Commissioner Angela Conley reported in her Friday newsletter that she receive 300+ emails from county residents expressing their concerns with the Sheriff's office and their behavior in the community. "Thank you to the residents and community members who contacted my office and other elected officials," she said.
Below is the following response from County Administration:
"The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) does not conduct civil immigration enforcement. HCSO will respond to emergency calls and situations that may become violent throughout the County. Federal Protective Services is responsible for providing security for the Whipple Federal Building, its parking lot and surrounding curtilage.  The HCSO has primary law enforcement responsibility near the Whipple Federal Building because no other local law enforcement agency is assigned to that area of the County. The HCSO has had an increased presence near the Whipple Federal Building to maintain public safety. The HCSO does not have the legal ability to interfere with or obstruct federal agents who are performing civil immigration enforcement.
"County administration has been in communication with HCSO regarding its activities at the Whipple Federal Building and the incidents raised to county officials. Use of force by HCSO deputies is subject to an internal review process. The HCSO has made several arrests over the past several weeks near the Whipple Building related to criminal violations, including property damage, obstructing legal process and assault charges. 
"The HCSO’s law enforcement decisions (including those at the Whipple Building) are determined by the Sheriff, and such decisions cannot be directed by County Administration or the County Board. Because the Sheriff is an independent elected office, the County Board’s authority is limited to setting the HCSO’s operating budget and approval of capital projects for the HCSO." 
Reach out to Sheriff Witt with any concerns: Dawanna.Witt@hennepin.us; Phone: 612-348-3744

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