2026 Legislative Priorities

Latino communities are the fastest-growing ethnic group in Minnesota. From Moorhead to Worthington to St. Paul, Latino Minnesotans contribute as workers, parents, business owners, and civic leaders.

Despite this growth, Latino communities continue to experience outcomes in income, education, health, and public safety that are worse than the state average. Recent progress in reducing disparities is at risk, particularly due to the presence of immigration enforcement agents and the resulting impacts on our communities. Aggressive immigration enforcement and harmful rhetoric are increasing fear, weakening trust, and driving greater need.

The Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs (MCLA) advises the Legislature on policies that align Latino outcomes with those of the broader population. Based on statewide community engagement, MCLA has identified the following priorities for 2026.

Latinos are deeply rooted in communities across Minnesota, but fear tied to immigration enforcement has pushed families out of public life.

MCLA supports policies that:

• Protect civil rights and due process during immigration enforcement.

• Require statewide training for law enforcement officers on statutory limits related to immigration enforcement, civil rights protections, and due process requirements.

• Barring the concealment of identity by immigration enforcement agents, such as masks, unmarked equipment (vehicles, tactical gear), or covered badges, except where necessary and clearly exempted.

• Require annual public reporting by law enforcement agencies on assistance provided to federal immigration authorities.

• Strengthen legal aid and protect immigrant-inclusive state services.

• Invest in Latino-led community infrastructure and organizations.

 2. Education & Opportunity

 Latino students help stabilize enrollment and strengthen diversity in Minnesota schools, yet disparities persist.

 MCLA supports policies that:

• Protect student data privacy and limit immigration enforcement in schools without a judicial

  warrant.

• Increase funding for English Learner programs and family engagement.

• Expand Teacher of Color, bilingual educator pathways, and early childhood programs. 

 3. Health & Wellbeing

Health gains in Latino communities are at risk due to coverage gaps and challenges in rural health care access.

MCLA supports policies that:

• Protect patient privacy and limit unnecessary collection of immigration-related data.

• Defend and reinstate MinnesotaCare Expansion coverage.

• Expand community-based health services, including mobile clinics and federally qualified health centers.

• Establish an Office of Latino Health and strengthen violence prevention efforts.

Latino workers have the highest labor force participation rate in Minnesota, and Latino-owned businesses continue to grow. Yet income gaps and economic instability remain.

MCLA supports policies that:

• Provide relief and technical assistance for Latino small businesses and nonprofits.

• Expand workforce development and access to good-paying jobs.

• Protect worker rights and prevent wage theft and immigration-related retaliation.

• Streamline credentialing for foreign-trained professionals and expand bilingual workforce programs.

• Establish a low-cost auto insurance program and strengthen protections for agricultural and food processing workers.

When Latino communities thrive, Minnesota thrives.

These priorities reflect what communities across the state are asking for: fairness, stability, due process, and full participation in civic and economic life.