Today, Paul Schnell, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC), testified before the United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs at an oversight hearing focused on federal, state, and local coordination of immigration enforcement activities. The hearing examined public safety, intergovernmental cooperation, and the impact of federal immigration enforcement operations, including Operation Metro Surge, an ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initiative that has drawn national attention and controversy.

Commissioner Schnell joined a panel of Minnesota leaders including Attorney General Keith Ellison, U.S. Representative Tom Emmer, and Minnesota Representative Harry Niska, to provide the state’s perspective on these issues. The discussions took place amid escalating federal immigration enforcement activity in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area and national scrutiny following the fatal shootings of U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents.

In written testimony submitted to the Committee, Commissioner Schnell outlined the Minnesota DOC’s longstanding and routine partnership with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), reaffirmed the legal framework governing detainers in Minnesota, and addressed inaccurate claims by federal officials regarding the state’s cooperation with federal partners. His testimony also highlighted discrepancies between federal public statements and documented state custody data. Commissioner Schnell’s full written testimony is available /doc/assets/Written%20Testimony%20of%20Commissioner%20Paul%20Schnell_Final_Feb_12_2026_tcm1089-724727.pdfhere.

“Minnesota seeks nothing more than a return to normal, lawful order - where federal and state authorities respect each other’s roles, where criminals are caught and punished without trampling on civil rights, and where the public can trust that those in power are acting in good faith,” wrote Commissioner Schnell in conclusion. “We are not there today, but with your help and with continued advocacy from leaders who value the Constitution, I am hopeful we can get there again.”

The hearing is available to view here.