Immigration Policy in Saint Paul, MN: What Residents Actually Need to Know

Saint Paul maintains 208 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with immigration policy. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Saint Paul falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Sanctuary Policy Preemption

Saint Paul's Separation Ordinance bars city employees and police from inquiring about immigration status or assisting federal civil immigration enforcement except where required by state or federal law.

Key details: Policy origin: 2004 separation order. ICE detainers: Need judicial warrant. Status questions: Prohibited. Criminal warrants: Honored. Schools covered: SPPS separate policy.

City employees who violate the policy face disciplinary action under civil-service rules. Residents alleging violations may file complaints with the Saint Paul Department of Human Rights or city attorney.

The rules around sanctuary policy preemption in Saint Paul lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

E-Verify Mandates

Saint Paul does not require private employers to use E-Verify, and Minnesota imposes no statewide mandate either, though city contractors above certain thresholds may need E-Verify under state procurement rules.

Key details: City E-Verify mandate: None. MN state mandate: None for private. State contracts: Above $50K need cert. Federal I-9: Always required. Federal contractor rule: Above $150K applies.

Federal I-9 violations carry civil penalties from $272 to $2,701 per first-offense paperwork violation. Knowingly hiring unauthorized workers triggers escalating per-worker fines and potential criminal charges.

Saint Paul is more permissive than most cities when it comes to e-verify mandates. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Saint Paul gives residents more room on immigration policy. 2 of the 2 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

This guide is based on Saint Paul's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.