Overview
- Craig wrote in a Star Tribune commentary that recent federal raids and fatal shootings in Minnesota led her to conclude granting ICE more authority was a mistake.
- She was the only Minnesota DFL member to support the law last year, after defending the vote for months as consistent with due process requirements.
- The Laken Riley Act, signed by President Donald Trump, directs ICE to detain noncitizens accused of crimes including nonviolent offenses such as burglary, theft and shoplifting.
- Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan dismissed Craig’s reversal as too late and continues to use the vote to draw a contrast in the DFL Senate contest ahead of the May convention and August primary.
- Republican hopefuls and conservative figures criticized Craig’s shift, casting it as weakness as the race moves toward the Aug. 11 primary.