Legislative Update
 Friends and neighbors,
We’re officially in the home stretch of the interim period—just a little over two weeks until the 2026 legislative session gavels in, and I’m excited to get back to work for the great people of District 57B.
The good news? Since this isn’t a budget year, we won’t be spending every waking minute crunching numbers. That means more time to focus on thoughtful, practical legislation that helps make our district—and our state—an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.
As we head toward session, know this: my inbox is open, my door is open, and your voice matters! Please keep advocating for your family, your neighbors, and your community. The best ideas don’t come from the Capitol alone—they come from you.
Lowering the Temperature, Raising the Standard
No matter where you land on immigration enforcement in Minnesota, I think we can all agree on one thing: we are long past the point of talking around the problem. It’s time for state and federal leaders to sit down and develop a tangible plan to solve this untenable situation. That’s why it was encouraging to hear that President Trump and Governor Walz spoke earlier this week about lowering tensions and improving coordination between local, state, and federal law enforcement.
What Minnesota needs right now is serious leadership—from both our state leaders and our Congress counterparts—working together to de-escalate tensions and, most importantly, keep our communities safe. Calm, clear, and honest conversations matter, especially with people we don’t always agree with. Those conversations build trust, reduce fear, and remind us that even when perspectives differ, we often share far more common ground than we realize.
I was also encouraged by White House Border Czar Tom Homan’s remarks Thursday morning. They reflect the kind of thoughtful reassessment many communities have been calling for—one that prioritizes de-escalation, responsible rhetoric, and a focused approach to addressing violent crime. He was clear that immigration enforcement is not about releasing public safety risks back into our communities, and he emphasized the importance of lawful cooperation between state agencies and federal authorities.
You can watch his full press conference by clicking on the photo below.
 Just as important was the acknowledgment that real solutions require difficult conversations. Progress doesn’t come from headlines or photo ops—it comes from sitting down, listening, and working through disagreements. I was encouraged to hear clarification that county jails may notify ICE of release dates for criminal public safety risks, allowing for lawful transfers upon release.
There’s also a real opportunity here to cool tensions moving forward. Federal officials have indicated that a potential drawback of ICE agents in Minnesota is possible—but only if rhetoric cools and cooperation improves across all levels of government. That’s a reminder that words matter, leadership matters, and actions have real consequences.
Minnesotans deserve safety, stability, and solutions—not chaos. I remain hopeful that with calmer rhetoric, clearer communication, and a renewed commitment to cooperation, we can restore trust and protect the communities we all care so deeply about.
Standing Firm on Public Safety
Having spent my previous career in law enforcement, public safety isn’t just a policy issue for me—it’s personal. That’s why I’m proud to say House Republicans aren’t cutting corners this session. We’ve been hard at work throughout the interim crafting smart, serious public safety legislation aimed at addressing the real challenges our state has faced over the past year.
One bill I’m especially proud to coauthor takes a firm stand against something that should never be taken lightly: impersonating a police officer. This legislation would make it a felony to falsely pose as a peace officer with the intent to mislead others. In plain terms—if someone pretends to be law enforcement to deceive or manipulate, there will be serious consequences, including potential jail time or significant fines.
It’s unfortunate that we even need legislation like this, but the reality is clear. Over the past year, we’ve seen individuals willing to go to alarming extremes. This bill sends a strong message: public trust matters, and we will protect it.
Precinct Caucuses, Feb. 3!
 Our government works best when citizens are informed and engaged! Precinct caucuses are one of the easiest ways to get involved and make your voice heard. This year’s precinct caucuses will be held on February 3. Learn more and find your caucus location [here].
Republican Party: Lakeville North High School, 19600 Ipava Ave., Lakeville, MN 55044
Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party: Lakeville South High School, 211 Jacquard Ave., Lakeville, MN 55044
Shaping Futures in District 57B
 One of my favorite events of the year is "Stepping Into Your Future", a fantastic partnership between the Lakeville Area Chamber of Commerce and Lakeville Area Schools. This hands-on program brings 8th graders to Airlake Airport to explore exciting career possibilities in ways you can’t get from a textbook.
Students get to design their own cereal, try forensic fingerprinting, disassemble an epi-pen, perform CPR, test water quality, and so much more. Watching these kids learn, experiment, and have fun is incredibly rewarding—and who knows, maybe one of them discovers a lifelong passion!
I love seeing our area's youth having access to programs like these. A big thank-you to all the volunteers, organizers, and local businesses who make this program possible. Your dedication inspires the next generation to dream big and explore every opportunity.
A Reminder of Who We Are As Minnesotans
As we close this week's update, I want to share a recent story that perfectly sums up why Minnesota is such a special place to call home.
On the evening of January 21, a 7-year-old Zimmerman girl was abducted outside her home after getting off the bus from school.
As news of her disappearance spread, the community’s response was immediate and overwhelming. At one point during the search, the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office reported, "we have more volunteers than we need."
In a moment filled with fear and uncertainty, our community responded with compassion, courage, and an overwhelming sense of togetherness. When a child went missing, neighbors showed up for neighbors—without hesitation, without being asked, and without expecting anything in return.
Law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency responders worked tirelessly, joined by hundreds of volunteers who stepped forward simply because it was the right thing to do. Some walked, others drove, and many went door to door—an extraordinary testament to the heart of this community.
One volunteer put it best: “We didn’t need to know her. As responders, parents, and neighbors, we refused to stop until she was found.”
That statement says everything. It reflects the strength of our Minnesota public safety professionals and the deep compassion of the people they serve. It’s a powerful reminder that even in difficult times, Minnesotans rise—together.
I am deeply grateful to every first responder, volunteer, and neighbor who played a role. This is what community looks like. This is the best of Minnesota.
As we approach the commencement of the 2026 legislative session, I am reminded that the strength of our state isn’t just found in laws or policies—it’s found in moments like these, when neighbors, volunteers, and first responders come together without hesitation to protect one of their own. It is this spirit of compassion, courage, and unwavering commitment to each other that guides my work every day. My goal is to help translate that same dedication into meaningful solutions for our communities—so that Minnesota remains a place where safety, hope, and care are not just ideals, but realities we live together.
Sincerely,
Representative Jeff Witte
Minnesota House of Representatives, District 57B
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