The Cottonwood County Sheriff’s Office released a statement yesterday, disputing claims that county officials refused to honor a federal immigration detainer involving a man accused of a child sex crime, citing documentation received directly from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The press release followed a social media post attributed to ICE and subsequent national media coverage alleging that Cottonwood County declined to cooperate with federal authorities, forcing ICE agents to arrest the suspect later in the community. According to the sheriff’s office, the only document received from ICE was titled “Request for Advance Notification of Release,” dated Jan. 11, 2026. The form explicitly requests advance notice prior to an individual’s release but states it does not request or authorize law enforcement to detain the subject beyond the time they are otherwise scheduled for release, nor should it affect bail or court decisions. Samuel Arevalto Hernandez was arrested Jan. 11 and made his first court appearance on Jan. 13, when bail was set and a future hearing scheduled. Later that afternoon, when jail staff learned bail was being posted, a sheriff’s office employee contacted ICE to provide advance notice, as requested in the form. The sheriff’s office stated that an ICE agent advised federal officers were tied up in the Twin Cities area and unable to respond at that time. ICE reportedly indicated they would attempt to locate Hernandez later and requested address information which was provided. After bail was posted, Hernandez was released in accordance with the court order. In its release, the sheriff’s office said claims that county officials refused to honor a detainer were inaccurate, noting that no ICE detainer authorizing extended custody was issued. Officials said the statement was released to correct what they described as misleading information circulating publicly about the county’s actions.
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Mt Lake Police reported 20 calls from January 5th to January 11th. Officers issued Snow Emergency Violations, Assisted MN State Patrol with several vehicles in ditches along Highway 60, investigated a suspicious vehicle, Assisted Windom Police with a Suspicious Person, Assisted Mountain Lake Ambulance on several calls and Officers delt with two separate issues that were civil issues, one was a complaint on food quality issues and the other was a child custody dispute. For a full listing of all calls of the Mountain Lake Police Department click on link below.
Mountain Lake Police Department January 12th to January 18th
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The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, approving multiple contracts, receiving legislative updates, and addressing administrative and financial matters. Commissioners accepted the low bid from Everstrong Construction, Inc. in the amount of $1,392,852.25 for Project SAP 017-605-028. State Senator Bill Weber and Representative. Joe Schomacker and Marj Fogelman met with the board to provide a legislative update and hear concerns from county officials. The board also heard a presentation from Maureen Reed and Emily Crabtree on Ranked Choice Voting, including an overview of how the system works and how it is implemented. Commissioners approved and acknowledged Mountain Lake Golf Development, Inc.’s application for an exempt permit for a gambling premises located in a township with no waiting period. The board briefly recessed as the County Board to convene as the Ditch Authority before adjourning the Ditch Authority meeting and reconvening as the County Board. Several administrative actions were approved, including the selection of Paycom as the county’s HR and payroll system, continued use of RtVision for highway department timecards, and consolidation of payroll processing in the Auditor/Treasurer’s Office. The board approved signing the FY2025 Audit Engagement Letter with the Office of the State Auditor and authorized submission of the county’s 2025 Pay Equity Report to the State of Minnesota ahead of the Jan. 31 deadline. Commissioners also approved continuing a month-to-month lease of 432 square feet of office space in the N71 Building to SVE, LLC at a rate of $558 per month. The meeting concluded with approval of January warrants totaling $134,393.91.
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The Windom City Council on Tuesday approved the second reading of Ordinance No. 203, 2nd Series, which updates city code provisions related to billboards. The ordinance adds new definitions, including a revised definition of “billboard” and a new definition for a “Congested Highway Business Corridor,” and replaces existing billboard regulations with updated standards governing where and how billboards may be located within the city. Under the ordinance, billboards are allowed only in the B-2 Highway Business District with a conditional use permit and are prohibited within the congested highway business corridor along Highway 60. The ordinance also establishes spacing, size, height, setback, lighting, and safety requirements, while allowing existing billboards within the corridor to remain in place as non-conforming uses. The council had approved the ordinance’s first reading on Jan. 6, with no changes requested. Following Tuesday’s second reading, the council voted to approve the ordinance for adoption. The council also approved the ordinance’s Title and Summary for publication in lieu of publishing the full text, as permitted under state law. Approval of the Title and Summary required a four-fifths vote of the council. Ordinance No. 203 takes effect following publication of the Title and Summary on Jan. 28.