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On February 5, 2026, Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota signed a new immigration bill into law that aims to support and protect immigrant communities across the state. The bill, known as the Immigrant Protection and Support Act, was met with wide praise from advocates and community leaders who have been pushing for stronger protections for immigrants in the face of increasing anti-immigrant policies at the federal level.The Immigrant Protection and Support Act includes several key provisions that will benefit immigrant communities in Minnesota. One of the most significant aspects of the bill is the establishment of a state-funded legal defense fund to provide free or low-cost legal representation to immigrants facing deportation proceedings. This initiative is seen as crucial in ensuring that immigrants have access to the legal resources they need to defend their rights and remain in the country.Additionally, the new law includes measures to prohibit local law enforcement agencies from collaborating with federal immigration authorities in carrying out deportation raids or other enforcement actions. This provision is intended to build trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement and ensure that immigrants feel safe reporting crimes and seeking assistance without fear of deportation.Governor Walz emphasized the importance of the Immigrant Protection and Support Act in ensuring that all Minnesotans, regardless of their immigration status, have access to the resources and protections they need to thrive. In a statement, he said, "Immigrants are an integral part of our communities and contribute in countless ways to the fabric of our state. This law sends a clear message that Minnesota stands with our immigrant neighbors and will do everything in our power to protect and support them."The passage of the Immigrant Protection and Support Act comes at a critical time as the nation grapples with ongoing debates and challenges related to immigration policy. Advocates hope that Minnesota's proactive approach to supporting immigrant communities will serve as a model for other states to follow in the years to come.