This bill aims to strengthen immigration enforcement in Minnesota by increasing criminal penalties for human trafficking offenses, prohibiting the employment of unauthorized individuals, and banning sanctuary cities. Key provisions include the requirement for state departments to report annually on governmental assistance provided to individuals without legal status, and the establishment of penalties for employers who knowingly hire unauthorized individuals. The bill also introduces a definition of "sanctuary city" and prohibits any city from enacting policies that restrict cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Additionally, the bill amends several sections of the Minnesota Statutes to increase penalties for various human trafficking-related crimes. For instance, penalties for labor trafficking resulting in death are raised from 25 years to 30 years of imprisonment, and fines are increased from $40,000 to $60,000. Similar increases in penalties are applied to other trafficking offenses, including those involving minors. The effective date for these changes is set for August 1, 2025, applying to crimes committed on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 171.22, 609.282, 609.283, 609.322