The Trump administration has accused Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey of “actively organizing” opposition against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This follows claims from the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC), which stated that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) misrepresented the state’s stance on illegal immigration.
Recently, DHS requested that Walz and Frey comply with federal requests to detain over 1,300 illegal immigrants claimed to be in Minnesota custody. They alleged that around 470 individuals with criminal histories had been released into the community. However, Walz’s office strongly refuted these claims, labeling them as “completely false.” They argued that states indeed recognize federal immigration detainers, which are supposed to allow the detainment of illegal immigrants who have committed crimes until ICE can take custody of them.
In a press release, the Minnesota DOC reiterated Walz’s objections, declaring DHS’s assertions as “completely false” and “irresponsible.” They stressed that the DOC regularly collaborates with ICE officers when managing individuals in custody.
The Minnesota DOC also highlighted that it “honors all federal and local detainees, including those from ICE.” They questioned DHS’s claim about 1,360 non-U.S. individuals in their system, pointing out that the total state prison population is about 8,000, with only 207 being non-citizens. They noted that 84 ICE detainees were indeed released in 2025, and in those instances, ICE was notified in advance, with the DOC coordinating the transfers.
DHS has not clarified which metrics it used for its figures, stating they diverged from “DOC records and the realities of Minnesota’s prison system,” as highlighted by the Minnesota DOC. Meanwhile, the Trump administration continues to stand by their claims. Deputy Secretary of DHS Tricia McLaughlin accused Walz and Frey of inciting organized resistance to ICE and federal law enforcement.
According to McLaughlin, nearly 470 criminal illegal aliens have been let back into the community, with over 1,360 illegal immigrants currently in custody across Minnesota. She urged Walz and his associates to commit to respecting all ICE detainees.
After a recent incident involving the shooting of Renee Good by ICE agents in Minneapolis, Mayor Frey instructed ICE agents to fully evacuate the city, with Governor Walz similarly requesting federal authorities to “leave Minnesota alone.” Frey also signed an executive order that barred federal employees from utilizing city property for their operations, and city officials have enforced regulations to protect illegal immigrants.
In February, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison stated that state law prohibits local governments from acting contrary to ICE mandates. Concerns over ICE’s compliance surfaced after an illegal immigrant was released from detention in Virginia and was involved in a homicide the following day.
Currently, federal prosecutors are investigating Walz and Frey for allegedly obstructing law enforcement efforts within the state. It’s important to note that this investigation is in its early stages, and the potential for any criminal charges remains uncertain.
