Minnesota State Wire

Brad Finstad, the U.S. Representative for Minnesota's 1st Congressional District, has proposed legislation aimed at preventing the Small Business Administration (SBA) from operating in sanctuary cities. He argues that such policies threaten public safety and misuse federal support. The statement was made on X.

"Sanctuary policies undermine the rule of law & put public safety at risk," said Finstad. "I introduced legislation that will ensure the SBA supports American citizens and small businesses. Not the Left's out-of-touch priorities."

In April 2025, Representative Finstad introduced the "Save SBA from Sanctuary Cities Act," which proposes relocating SBA offices out of sanctuary cities. According to Finstad’s official House website, the bill would require the SBA Administrator to identify and move these offices within 60 days, arguing that federal services should not operate in jurisdictions that limit cooperation with immigration enforcement. Supporters claim the bill upholds the rule of law, while critics warn it could disrupt services for urban small businesses.

According to the Associated Press, the SBA announced in March 2025 that it would begin relocating offices from six sanctuary cities: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York City, and Seattle. The move is part of a broader policy shift to align SBA operations with federal immigration priorities. Although the agency cited cost efficiency and legal compliance as reasons for this decision, opponents argue that these relocations could harm small business support in major urban centers.

Research by the University of New Mexico and the University of Texas has found no evidence that sanctuary policies increase crime. As reported by UNM News and UT Austin News, a 2022 study showed sanctuary counties experienced larger decreases in violent and property crime compared to non-sanctuary counties. These findings challenge the narrative that sanctuary cities pose a threat to public safety and suggest such policies may have neutral or positive effects on crime rates.

Finstad has served in the U.S. House since 2022 and sits on several committees including Agriculture, Armed Services, and Small Business. According to his official House biography, he chairs the Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture. He prioritizes immigration enforcement and ensuring federal program accountability. His recent legislation reflects a focus on aligning government services with federal law.