The deaths of Renée Macklin Good and Alex Pretti during federal immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota have sharpened a partisan divide over how states should respond to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Democratic-led states are exploring new oversight and legal tools aimed at federal agents, while Republican-led states are moving to deepen cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
The deaths of Renée Macklin Good and Alex Pretti during federal immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota have intensified a national debate over the role states should play in policing federal agents.
Students staged a school walkout at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul on Jan. 14, 2026, protesting federal immigration enforcement, as public anger and anxiety spread in communities that reported an increased federal presence.
Democratic-led states explore accountability measures
Some Democratic leaders say federal agents should face state scrutiny — including potential criminal charges — if they violate state law. After a surge of ICE activity in Chicago in 2025, Illinois officials created the Illinois Accountability Commission to collect information from the public about ICE actions and to make recommendations. Former federal judge Rubén Castillo, who chairs the commission, said the group is talking with local law enforcement to “suggest prosecutions that should be coming as we speak,” according to NPR.
NPR also reported that prosecutors in Philadelphia and in California have said they are considering whether criminal charges could be brought against federal agents in cases where state laws may have been violated.
Legal experts interviewed by NPR said states are not categorically barred from prosecuting federal officials under state criminal law. Harrison Stark, an attorney affiliated with the University of Wisconsin Law School’s State Democracy Research Initiative, told NPR that there is “no structural or blanket barrier” to state prosecutions of federal officials, though cases can involve complex legal questions.
Separately, NPR reported that Illinois has enacted a law allowing people to sue federal agents in civil court, and that the Trump administration has sued to block it. Democratic lawmakers in New York, California, Colorado and Oregon are considering similar civil-liability measures.
Republican-led states expand cooperation
Republican-led states, meanwhile, have pursued new partnerships with federal immigration enforcement. NPR reported that Tennessee offers grants to law enforcement agencies that work with ICE.
New Hampshire has enacted laws aimed at preventing so-called “sanctuary” policies. Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed House Bill 511 and Senate Bill 62 in May 2025; New Hampshire Public Radio reported that key provisions were set to take effect Jan. 1, 2026, limiting local policies that restrict cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Blue states limit cooperation and consider new guardrails
NPR reported that several Democratic-led states are weighing restrictions on how ICE operates, including proposals such as mask bans or identification requirements for federal agents. NPR said California’s approach to agent identification has been tied up in court.
Illinois lawmakers say they want to expand existing limits on police cooperation with ICE, NPR reported. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has also proposed legislation to restrict local cooperation with federal immigration authorities, according to NPR.
NPR reported that Maine has set up a tip line for residents to report ICE activity and alleged abuses. In Massachusetts, Democrats have discussed creating “safe zones” around locations such as courthouses, schools, churches and hospitals where arrests would be prohibited, according to NPR.
In Minnesota, NPR reported that Democratic lawmakers plan to pursue a bill that would allow Minnesotans to sue federal agents and provisions meant to help renters avoid eviction when immigration enforcement disrupts households. With the Minnesota Senate controlled by Democrats and the House evenly split, NPR noted that any major changes would require some bipartisan support.
