MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Minneapolis has paused plans to issue city identification cards that would be available regardless of a person’s immigration status.
Mayor Jacob Frey said Friday the move was done in part because of concerns that the information could be used to identify immigrants for deportation. He said the city wants to ensure “people signing up for the ID card are protected.”
The Star Tribune reports the discussions about how and whether to proceed come at a time when many cities are looking for ways to resist immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump.
Minneapolis is not the only city to pursue a municipal ID card. New Haven, Conn., was among the first. Other major cities with ID programs, including New York and Philadelphia, have grappled with similar concerns over protecting data.
Minneapolis approved the creation of a municipal ID program in 2018 but had been discussing it for many years. Supporters said having a form of identification is crucial to opening a bank account, receiving health care and, in some cases, picking up children from school.
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