Crow Wing County Jail — Brainerd MN, Rural IGSA + Dual 287(g) Hub

Overview

The Crow Wing County Jail in Brainerd is one of Minnesota’s most significant rural ICE detention sites. Sheriff Eric Klang began accepting ICE detainees in November 2025 and signed both 287(g) models available — a Task Force Model (TFM, signed March 25, 2025) and Warrant Service Officer (WSO, signed March 26, 2025). This dual-model arrangement is unusual and signals deep cooperation.

As of January 22, 2026, the jail was housing 44 federal detainees for DHS. The facility typically holds 30-50 ICE detainees at any given time, out of a total capacity of 286 beds. The county receives $102/day per federal detainee.

Why This Facility Matters

Crow Wing County is the clearest example of the rural Minnesota detention pipeline. The sheriff signed both 287(g) agreements unilaterally — without county board approval. Minnesota AG Keith Ellison’s December 12, 2025 legal opinion held that sheriffs cannot enter 287(g) agreements without county board authorization under state law. Despite this, Crow Wing’s agreements remain in effect.

The facility is also a key node in the transfer pipeline — ICE detainees held here are transferred to other facilities, including jails in Nebraska and Iowa, for longer-term detention.

Community members have spoken out at county board meetings requesting transparency and discussion of the agreements. The board has been split on the issue.

Key Facts

Sheriff: Eric Klang
IGSA: Active (ICE detention since November 2025)
287(g) TFM: Signed March 25, 2025 (allows deputies to enforce civil immigration law in the field)
287(g) WSO: Signed March 26, 2025 (allows jail staff to serve ICE warrants)
Per diem: $102/day per detainee
Capacity: 286 beds total; 30-50 ICE detainees typical
AOR: St. Paul Field Office
FIPS: 27035

Detention Pipeline

Crow Wing County Jail — Brainerd MN, Rural IGSA + Dual 287(g) Hub

Overview

Why This Facility Matters

Key Facts

Sources