In a well-produced video shared on social media on Wednesday, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey addressed a local Latino radio audience, expressing his condemnation of ICE and promising strong protections for immigrant communities. He positioned himself as an ally, stating, “Let me be clear: I’m proud to have you in our city, I’m proud to call you my neighbors, I’m proud to call you family.” He emphasized the importance of the Latino community, reinforcing that they enhance the city’s quality of life.
Frey assured the community that they could feel safe reaching out for help, clarifying that the Minneapolis Police Department does not engage in immigration enforcement. “Their job is to protect people’s safety,” he reiterated, stating, “The whole city is behind you very strongly. We’re not going to back down. You are part of our fabric as Minneapolis.”
In a touching moment captured on video, Frey was seen supporting a man at the table, assuring him, “There are a lot of people who care about you. You’re brave and you’re tough.” He even used his phone to help translate parts of the conversation, starting the video in Spanish.
Along with the video, Frey conveyed a message to residents, criticizing ICE for causing “real harm” in the community. He shared, “Yesterday, I spoke with La Raza… a trusted voice for our Latino community. We discussed the genuine fear federal immigration agents bring and how it affects families. That is not who we are, and I will continue to stand with our community.”
This video came right after the mayor replied to a federal investigation looking into allegations that he obstructed law enforcement in the state. Frey expressed his concerns about federal authorities potentially overstepping their boundaries, stating, “Every American should be concerned when the federal government is weaponizing its authority to intimidate local leaders from doing their jobs.” He concluded, emphasizing that in Minneapolis, the city is not afraid to stand up for its values and that he will keep working to ensure community safety.
