Robin Wansley, a Democratic Socialist Minneapolis City Council member, expressed concern on Thursday about the actions of local and state leaders, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Wansley accused them of failing to adequately protect residents by not expelling Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from the city.
Wansley announced plans to propose a resolution for Governor Walz to implement a moratorium on evictions, suggesting that ICE’s presence felt like an “occupation” making it unsafe for Minneapolis residents to go about their daily lives. “We need the governor to display courage and let people stay put to avoid the threat while ICE operates in our neighborhoods,” Wansley said, urging for greater action from elected officials.
She described the frightening reality faced by everyday citizens, saying they risk their lives as federal agents confront them with flash grenades, tear gas, and firearms. “Residents are showing remarkable bravery right now, yet our elected officials aren’t doing nearly enough to support them,” Wansley remarked.
During this tension, CNN’s Sarah Sydnor urged Wansley to heed Frey’s advice for residents to avoid confrontations, indicating the atmosphere in the city was untenable. Wansley mentioned that comments from the mayor and police chief, suggesting people should stand back, left many feeling abandoned and unsafe.
Neither Frey’s office nor Walz’s office responded immediately to requests for comments.
Wansley praised Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison for his attempts to challenge the Trump administration regarding ICE’s operations in the state. In an earlier interview, she emphasized her identity as the first Black Democratic Socialist member of the City Council after being mistaken for a Democrat.
In a separate incident, Governor Walz addressed the chaotic environment urging calm in the wake of heightened tensions following the recent shooting of a woman, Renee Nicole Good, by ICE agents in Minneapolis. He stated the need for urgent and peaceful communication during these trying times.
