Minneapolis Mayor Criticizes Federal Immigration Enforcement
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has been vocal against federal immigration authorities, especially following a tragic incident where a woman was killed by a federal officer. He urged ICE to “get off the streets,” reflecting his ongoing opposition to the Trump administration’s deportation strategies.
This week, the Department of Homeland Security mentioned that their operations faced disruptions as protesters confronted ICE vehicles. They claimed one driver tried to strike a vehicle belonging to law enforcement, labeling it “domestic terrorism.”
At a press event, Frey expressed his frustration, saying, “Get those people out of Minneapolis. We don’t want you here. You’ve purported to provide security, but people are getting harmed, and families are suffering.” He also dismissed the DHS’s claim that the shooting was an act of self-defense, calling it “garbage.”
Senator Urges Immediate Action for Safety
After the shooting incident, a Minnesota senator has called for ICE to depart “now for everyone’s safety.” This statement adds to the growing tension in the area.
Frey recently secured a third term in office, defeating Omar Fateh, who had previously been a loud critic of Frey. Interestingly, Frey was teased for using Somali during his victory speech. Then, weeks later, he took a stand against immigration operations by issuing an executive order that blocked the use of city properties for such activities.
Earlier in the past year, Frey reinforced his resistance to federal immigration policies, asserting that Minneapolis would be a “safe haven” for undocumented immigrants. He noted that the city’s police do not gather information on immigration statuses and don’t arrest individuals solely for being undocumented.
Frey’s Latest Term and Community Response
Recently inaugurated for his third and final term, Frey faced some backlash during the swearing-in ceremony. Critics voiced displeasure regarding the police’s handling of domestic violence cases, according to reports.
This isn’t the first time Frey’s faced criticism from within his own party. After George Floyd’s death, he was booed for not backing calls to defund the police.
As he engaged with protesters, some shouted, “Jacob, go home,” while others condemned him with chants of “shame.” In response to questions about police funding, Frey acknowledged his struggles, vowing to address systemic issues of racism in the community.
