Minnesota Governor Compares ICE to Nazi Germany
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) drew a striking comparison between the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) and Nazi Germany during a recent news conference, mentioning Anne Frank’s story in his remarks.
During the conference on Sunday, Walz posed a question directed at President Donald Trump, asking about the president’s “plan” and if it involves setting an example for Minnesota. His remarks followed the shooting death of Alex Preti, a 37-year-old man, in an incident involving Border Patrol agents the previous day.
The Department of Homeland Security stated that agents were engaged in a “targeted operation” in Minnesota, aimed at individuals illegally residing in the U.S. who were wanted for violent crimes.
Reports indicated Preti approached a Border Patrol agent while armed with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun. According to the statement, the agents were focused on an undocumented immigrant wanted for violent assault in Minneapolis. When officers attempted to disarm Preti, he reportedly resisted aggressively.
During his address, Walz questioned what it would require to have “federal agents out of Minnesota,” emphasizing the impact of such operations on local communities.
“So my question is, Donald Trump, what is the plan? What will it take to get these federal agents out of the state? If fear, violence, and chaos are what you want us to do, you clearly underestimate the people of this state and country,” Walz stated. He added that the residents are tired yet determined, at peace but resolute, and while they feel anger, they remain hopeful and unified.
Walz wrapped up by urging Trump to “end this today” and remove ICE and Border Patrol agents from Minnesota. He highlighted the fear experienced by children in the state, likening the situation to the stories of Anne Frank. “Someone will write a children’s story about Minnesota,” he concluded.
Following Walz’s statement, many took to social media to criticize his comparison, labeling it “shameful” and “anti-Semitic” for likening immigration enforcement to the Holocaust. Elie Kohanim, a host, tweeted that Jews should not trivialize the Holocaust’s memory with such comparisons.
Rep. Randy Fine (R-Fla.) expressed similar sentiments, stating that equating the removal of illegal immigrants to the Holocaust is hateful and questioning whether the Jewish Democratic Party would condemn Walz’s comments.
Some officials claimed that Democrats are creating a narrative that positions Trump as akin to Hitler and ICE as a Gestapo-like force. They argued that this justification leads to violence and could incite conflict between supporters and federal law enforcement.
Another commenter criticized the Democratic understanding of the Holocaust, claiming a persistent lack of empathy.
