Increase in Auto Thefts in Minneapolis Raises Concerns

Auto thefts have surged significantly in Minneapolis since the start of 2026, prompting Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey to take action.

A troubling trend has surfaced; according to a graphic shared by a crime watch organization on X, the extent of the issue is quite alarming. Over 1,000 car thefts were reported in January and February in a city with around 430,000 residents, reflecting a nearly 35% jump compared to the same timeframe last year, as indicated by the Minneapolis Crime Watch Bureau.

This wave of thefts seems to have continued into March, with at least 14 vehicles reported stolen on March 14 alone, with additional thefts reported that same afternoon.

In light of these statistics, Walz and Frey have been vocal about their criticisms of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), blaming the federal agency for making the city less secure. Earlier this year, they came under scrutiny from the Justice Department regarding an alleged conspiracy tied to ICE operations in Minnesota.

Efforts to Enhance Safety

In response to the rising crime, the Minneapolis Police Chief, Brian O’Hara, suggested that a federal operation, “Operation Metro Surge,” may have exacerbated auto thefts by removing police officers from their core responsibilities.

A former Minnesota State Patrol lieutenant, John Nagel, took a stern stance, stating that the auto theft issue is primarily about deterrence. “I’ve seen it in my three decades of experience,” he remarked, emphasizing that when city leaders truly focus on punishing auto theft, crime rates will drop. He pointed to St. Paul as a case where focused enforcement significantly reduced similar crimes.

Nagel, now running for Congress, accused Walz and Frey of continuously making excuses and failing to stop repeat offenders, particularly juveniles.

Addressing the Underlying Issues

He further argued for the need for more officers, proactive policing, and a juvenile system that can intervene early, noting the severe staffing shortages within the Minneapolis Police Department—down 40% since George Floyd’s death in 2020. A department spokesperson confirmed this understaffing, hinting at the differences in policy between Minneapolis and nearby St. Paul.

The spokesperson mentioned that the department tends not to pursue stolen vehicles aggressively. The statistics reveal that out of almost 1,200 car thefts this year, vehicles taken without keys, especially Kias and Hyundais, have risen sharply—59% for the latter category alone.

Although there was a slight decline in auto thefts recently, the spokesperson noted that data shows they remain about 38% below their peak from mid-2023, while a national trend of advanced key programming in thefts has been noticed.

Attempts to contact Walz and Frey’s offices for comment did not yield any responses.

Challenges in Law Enforcement

Mary Moriarty, the County Attorney, explained that solving auto theft cases is a daunting task for law enforcement, with only about 3% of cases leading to arrests, resulting in dismal prospects for deterrence. In mid-2023, a new initiative was launched to combat the rising thefts, and a subsequent study suggested a 58% decrease in teen auto thefts, although various factors likely played a role.

“Tackling these issues effectively requires a broad perspective and a keen focus on the actual data,” Moriarty remarked, hinting at the complexities involved in addressing auto theft in Minneapolis.