Minneapolis Mayor Calls for Peace Amid Protests
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey appealed for calm on Wednesday as protests grew more intense, a shift from his earlier remarks urging that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) should “stay out of the city.”
His comments came during a late news conference following the shooting of an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela, who was reportedly shot in the leg after he allegedly assaulted federal agents with a shovel.
“I want peace,” Frey stated during the briefing. “Everyone has a part to play in achieving peace, and we’ll do everything we can to maintain it.”
Frey has consistently criticized ICE’s approach to immigration enforcement, once again reiterating his stance that the agency should withdraw from Minneapolis. “There’s still quite a bit we don’t know, but one thing is clear: this situation isn’t sustainable,” he remarked. “Our city is in an impossible position.”
He added that residents were now in the uncomfortable situation of limited police resources having to confront ICE agents on the streets. “We can’t have a scenario where two government agencies are in open conflict with each other,” he emphasized.
Frey characterized the actions of ICE and U.S. Border Patrol agents as “creating chaos,” especially as protesters, many frustrated by the Trump administration’s immigration policies, confronted them, sometimes with violence. “I have witnessed ICE’s conduct, and it’s both appalling and unacceptable.”
The mayor urged protesters not to “take the bait” from President Trump, cautioning that escalating tensions wouldn’t help the situation for the city’s immigrant population. “Anyone who’s getting sucked into that, just stop. It’s not useful… You’re not assisting the undocumented immigrants here; you’re not supporting the people who call this city home.”
This statement represents a significant change from the fiery rhetoric following the shooting of Renee Good by ICE agents. At the time, Frey had exclaimed, “ICE, get out of Minneapolis. We don’t want you here.” He criticized ICE’s claims of ensuring safety, asserting they were doing the opposite.
On Wednesday, Frey maintained that he had never incited violence. “Show me one instance where I’ve promoted anything but peace. Just one example of us encouraging violence,” he challenged.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported that their agents had fired upon the immigrant who fled a traffic stop and allegedly struck an officer with the shovel.
On Thursday, President Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act if local officials failed to restore order. He expressed his frustration on Truth Social, saying, “If Minnesota’s corrupt politicians don’t follow the law and prevent agitators from attacking ICE personnel, I’ll take action to put an end to this issue in our state.”
In response, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz urged Trump to “lower the temperature.”
ICE further addressed the situation through a post, telling the governor, “The responsibility for spending is in your hands. Please tone down the anti-ICE rhetoric and show respect for immigrant detainees. Work collaboratively with us to remove criminal aliens from Minnesota.”
