As Minnesota Democratic leaders conducted press conferences, attended vigils, and criticized the Trump administration following the fatal incident involving Renee Good, a Fox News Digital investigation revealed a notable contrast in reactions when Minnesotans suffered due to illegal immigrants.
Governor Tim Walz shared a tribute online, expressing condolences after Good was killed when he struck an ICE officer while interfering with an operation in Minneapolis. Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have made several public appearances since the incident, criticizing the Trump administration and ICE.
In stark contrast, despite several Minnesotans having been harmed or killed by immigrants living in the country illegally in recent years, Fox News Digital found no public outrage or statements from Walz, Frey, or Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan in those tragic situations.
For instance, Victoria Eileen Harwell, a mother, died in a car accident in August 2024 after being assaulted by a drunk Ecuadorian man, yet there were no public comments from city officials. Similarly, Harry Helgeson, an 18-year-old from St. Paul, died last year when a drunk driver—an illegal Honduran immigrant—collided with her vehicle.
Helgeson was remembered fondly in her obituary, which highlighted her joyful spirit and commitment to her church. Another tragic case involved 55-year-old Mafalda Thayer, who was brutally murdered by her boyfriend in 2021. Friends remembered Thayer as always cheerful, yet her story received little recognition from state leaders.
Critics pointed out that other victims, like a St. Paul landlord who endured a violent crime, similarly went without acknowledgment from Minnesota’s Democratic leadership. Adam Schwartz, a former Navy SEAL and Republican candidate for the Senate, criticized the lack of public commemorations for those affected by crime, questioning where the anger was for those killed by criminals.
Fox News Digital reached out for comments from Walz, Frey, and Flanagan regarding their public responses to victims harmed or killed by illegal immigrants but did not receive a reply. John Nagel, a retired Minnesota State Patrol lieutenant running for Congress, remarked that the responses seemed politically motivated, highlighting a pattern where tragedies align with a certain narrative garner more attention than others.
Additionally, ICE has pointed to a recent surge in arrests of criminal illegal immigrants, including serious offenders, and criticized state leaders for releasing individuals back into the community. Officials emphasized the need for prioritizing public safety over political considerations.
Frey, when asked about the case of Victoria Harwell, reiterated beliefs about ICE overreach without addressing her situation directly. Critics like Dale Wilcox from the Federation for American Immigration Reform argued that sanctuary policies harm American citizens and called for leaders prioritizing the interests of the people over those of undocumented immigrants.
Walz expresses sadness over ICE shooting victim, avoids comment on crimes by undocumented immigrants
As Minnesota Democratic leaders conducted press conferences, attended vigils, and criticized the Trump administration following the fatal incident involving Renee Good, a Fox News Digital investigation revealed a notable contrast in reactions when Minnesotans suffered due to illegal immigrants.
Governor Tim Walz shared a tribute online, expressing condolences after Good was killed when he struck an ICE officer while interfering with an operation in Minneapolis. Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have made several public appearances since the incident, criticizing the Trump administration and ICE.
In stark contrast, despite several Minnesotans having been harmed or killed by immigrants living in the country illegally in recent years, Fox News Digital found no public outrage or statements from Walz, Frey, or Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan in those tragic situations.
For instance, Victoria Eileen Harwell, a mother, died in a car accident in August 2024 after being assaulted by a drunk Ecuadorian man, yet there were no public comments from city officials. Similarly, Harry Helgeson, an 18-year-old from St. Paul, died last year when a drunk driver—an illegal Honduran immigrant—collided with her vehicle.
Helgeson was remembered fondly in her obituary, which highlighted her joyful spirit and commitment to her church. Another tragic case involved 55-year-old Mafalda Thayer, who was brutally murdered by her boyfriend in 2021. Friends remembered Thayer as always cheerful, yet her story received little recognition from state leaders.
Critics pointed out that other victims, like a St. Paul landlord who endured a violent crime, similarly went without acknowledgment from Minnesota’s Democratic leadership. Adam Schwartz, a former Navy SEAL and Republican candidate for the Senate, criticized the lack of public commemorations for those affected by crime, questioning where the anger was for those killed by criminals.
Fox News Digital reached out for comments from Walz, Frey, and Flanagan regarding their public responses to victims harmed or killed by illegal immigrants but did not receive a reply. John Nagel, a retired Minnesota State Patrol lieutenant running for Congress, remarked that the responses seemed politically motivated, highlighting a pattern where tragedies align with a certain narrative garner more attention than others.
Additionally, ICE has pointed to a recent surge in arrests of criminal illegal immigrants, including serious offenders, and criticized state leaders for releasing individuals back into the community. Officials emphasized the need for prioritizing public safety over political considerations.
Frey, when asked about the case of Victoria Harwell, reiterated beliefs about ICE overreach without addressing her situation directly. Critics like Dale Wilcox from the Federation for American Immigration Reform argued that sanctuary policies harm American citizens and called for leaders prioritizing the interests of the people over those of undocumented immigrants.
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