Minneapolis Mayor Calls for ICE Focus on Red States
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey suggested that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) should concentrate its efforts on red states like Texas, Florida, and Utah, which have significant populations of undocumented immigrants. This comes amid criticism that his city operates as a sanctuary.
While Frey clarified that he doesn’t want ICE to be abolished, he noted that the presence of thousands of immigration agents in his city overwhelms the roughly 600 local police officers and creates a sense of “distress.” He mentioned during an interview on “Fox & Friends” that, “This is the largest immigration crackdown on record in the United States.”
Frey questioned the logic behind large-scale immigration operations in areas with fewer undocumented individuals. “Why not focus on Texas or Florida or Utah, where there are actual large numbers of illegal immigrants?” he asked.
It’s important to note that this stance comes after Frey had previously called for ICE’s removal following the shooting death of activist Lenny Good. Now, he’s reassessing that position, stating, “I don’t support abolishing ICE,” but added that he disagrees with how the current administration approaches the situation.
The city, with a population of about 429,983, has an ordinance preventing officials from aiding federal immigration efforts. Last month, the City Council reinforced this law.
“The city has a segregation ordinance, and do you know what that means?” Frey emphasized. “Our limited police resources should be focused on ensuring public safety and tackling violent crime, not tracking down individuals simply trying to work and support their families.”
Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, dismissed Frey’s remarks, claiming that ICE agents aren’t getting the cooperation they need in Minnesota. She mentioned that if state leaders were less obstructive, ICE would be more effective in addressing serious criminal elements.
Indeed, states like Florida and Texas not only have higher immigrant populations but are generally more cooperative with federal agencies compared to Minneapolis. The Trump administration has recently deployed about 1,000 additional immigration agents to the city, accumulating on top of the existing 2,000.
Frey mentioned that the combined presence of ICE and Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis may amount to around 3,000 personnel.
Minneapolis is still dealing with the repercussions of the shooting of activist Good. He was shot by Officer Jonathan Ross as he attempted to flee, with the administration defending the action as self-defense.
Following a major welfare fraud investigation in Minnesota, which has resulted in claims of up to $9 billion in losses since 2018, the Trump administration ramped up ICE’s operations there. However, skepticism remains about the accuracy of those figures, particularly from Governor Tim Walz’s office.
In response to the surge of ICE agents, Minnesota and Illinois have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, arguing that it violates the Tenth Amendment by infringing on state powers. Frey defended the lawsuit, stating, “What’s happening with ICE isn’t about removing dangerous criminals; it feels more like retaliation than anything else.”
