Minneapolis Mayor Criticizes Federal Immigration Actions
WASHINGTON – Mayor Jacob Frey of Minneapolis has labeled the recent federal immigration crackdown as an “invasion,” expressing concerns over potential conflicts between local law enforcement and federal agents.
Democratic leaders have encouraged protesters to stay peaceful and defended their right to document ICE operations within the city.
“We’re not here to counter Donald Trump’s chaos with our own chaos,” Frey stated during an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday. “And we won’t provide them the excuses they seem to be looking for.”
“Never in a million years did I think we’d face an invasion from our federal government.”
The crackdown, initiated by the Trump administration, stemmed from a significant welfare fraud scandal affecting Minnesota last year.
Since then, around 3,000 ICE and Border Patrol agents have been deployed to Minneapolis, a city that has approximately 600 local police officers. Additionally, the administration is planning to send 1,500 military personnel to the area.
Last week, Frey indicated that residents were urging local police to “confront ICE agents on the streets.”
“That’s just not how it works in America,” Frey insisted when questioned about these sentiments. “We expect our judicial system to maintain the necessary checks and balances.”
Both Minnesota and Illinois have filed lawsuits against the Trump administration to prevent this influx of federal personnel.
Trump has even hinted at invoking the Insurrection Act, which hasn’t been utilized since 1992, to deploy the National Guard in Minnesota. Frey described this potential action as “shocking.”
Tom Homan, the border czar, recently suggested that the administration might reduce the number of federal agents if local leaders would agree to detain undocumented individuals.
Frey disregarded that suggestion entirely.
“I don’t believe Mr. Homan understands the realities on the ground here in Minnesota,” Frey countered, asserting that Minneapolis is firm on crime issues. “But let’s be clear, this isn’t about safety or crime.”
“This is about intimidation. And in Minneapolis, we refuse to be intimidated.”
Recently, it was reported that the Justice Department is investigating whether Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz were involved in a conspiracy to hinder federal immigration efforts.
“We haven’t been served with anything, like a subpoena,” Frey mentioned about the investigation. “If the federal government were targeting anyone, that would certainly be alarming. It’s quite literally my job to address these issues.”
