On Wednesday, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer criticized Minneapolis Mayor hopeful Omar Fate, committing to safeguard illegal immigrants from deportation and urging voters to reject socialists come November.
As the highest-ranking Republican in Minnesota’s House, Emmer warned that Minneapolis could elect a 35-year-old socialist reminiscent of Zoran Mamdani, who is running for mayor in New York City. He condemned Fate for prioritizing illegal immigrants amidst a “hostile federal government” and insisted that Fate’s socialist agenda would bring chaos to Minneapolis.
“As if Omar Fate’s radical communist agenda wasn’t enough, he now vows to prioritize illegal aliens over the people of Minneapolis,” Emmer remarked to a news outlet. He highlighted that the Trump administration had recently deported 11 illegal immigrant sex offenders but implied that Fate appeared more concerned with protecting them than assisting Minnesotans.
“What has become of the city under the struggling DFL leadership is unfortunate. Now Minneapolis residents have to choose between delving further into the disorder of illegal immigration and communism or trying to restore some common sense,” he added.
Fate, whose parents immigrated from Somalia, is a Minnesota senator affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). He recently faced criticism for declaring that ensuring the happiness of illegal immigrants would be his top priority if he won the mayor’s race. There’s even a pledge he signed, promising to limit cooperation between Minneapolis law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) if elected, pushing for laws that would designate Minnesota a “sanctuary” state.
In an interview, Fate mentioned his concerns about Trump’s presidency and described how many undocumented neighbors feel under threat from the federal government.
In July, ICE made arrests of nearly 12 illegal immigrants in the Minneapolis area with past convictions for sexual offenses, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Emmer asserted that Fate’s platform would create an environment where illegal immigrant criminals could live without consequence in urban areas.
Emmer has also criticized other facets of Fate’s socialist agenda, claiming his proposals would increase costs of living, heighten safety issues, and drive businesses away from the state.
Previously, Fate backed a movement to reform policing, suggesting a shift from armed officers to “peace officers,” claiming local law enforcement had inflicted cycles of “violence and cruelty.” His policy ideas also include increasing the minimum wage to $20 per hour by 2028 and imposing tax hikes on certain residents in Minneapolis.
He has gained the local Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) party’s endorsement, which allows him access to essential resources during the campaign. This marks the first time in 16 years that a mayoral candidate received such backing from the local party.
Incumbent Mayor Jacob Frey, seeking a third term, is contesting the endorsement and alleging election fraud. Unlike Fate, Frey is seen as a more centrist Democrat and has the support of Minnesota leaders.
Emmer views Fate’s endorsement from the DFL as evidence that the Democratic Party is moving further left and becoming more disconnected from moderate constituents.
Meanwhile, a Fate spokesperson did not respond to inquiries for comment on the criticisms raised by Emmer.
