Kandiyohi County Jail — Willmar MN, Largest MN ICE Detention Site (22+ Years)
Overview
The Kandiyohi County Jail in Willmar is Minnesota’s largest ICE detention site by designated bed count. Of its 190-bed operating capacity, approximately 150 beds are designated for federal detainees. The facility has held ICE detainees for over 22 years under an IGSA, making it the longest-running ICE jail contract in Minnesota.
Sheriff Eric Tollefson also signed a 287(g) Warrant Service Officer (WSO) agreement on May 22, 2025, but the agreement has not been operationalized because officers have not yet been trained, and AG Ellison’s December 2025 opinion raised legal questions.
Why This Facility Matters
Willmar is a conservative, diverse community — the Star Tribune described it as having “nuanced views on immigration.” The town’s economy depends on immigrant labor. The jail generates significant revenue for the county. This creates an internal tension: the community needs immigrant workers, but the county profits from detaining them.
The Kandiyohi County Board has been publicly divided. At least three commissioners made public statements, with the board chairman criticizing the “cowboy” behavior of federal immigration agents. Other commissioners spoke of citizens being “unjustly detained” and “kidnapped.” Approximately 100 people attended a vigil outside the Law Enforcement Center on November 21, 2025.
Despite this opposition, the IGSA remains active and the jail continues to be the primary ICE detention site in central Minnesota.
Key Facts
- Sheriff: Eric Tollefson
- IGSA: Active (22+ years, longest in MN)
- 287(g) WSO: Signed May 22, 2025 (not yet operationalized — untrained officers, AG legal opinion)
- Capacity: 190 beds operating; ~150 designated for ICE
- Average daily pop: 90 ICE detainees (Vera Institute historical)
- AOR: St. Paul Field Office
- FIPS: 27067
Sources
- Star Tribune: This conservative county houses more ICE detainees than any other in MN
- CBS Minnesota: Three Minnesota jails have agreements with ICE
- West Central Tribune: Questions continue for Kandiyohi County ICE agreement
- West Central Tribune: Three board members make statements on ICE
- West Central Tribune: Supporters call out to ICE detainees at jail
- West Central Tribune: Board discusses 287(g) for first time in public meeting
- ICE Facility Page: Kandiyohi County Jail