Trump Defends Law Enforcement in Minneapolis

President Donald Trump has recently supported federal law enforcement efforts in Minneapolis, claiming that crime has significantly decreased following the removal of what he described as “thousands of criminals” from the city.

During a Sunday interview with NBC News’ Tom Lamas, Trump mentioned that crime in Minneapolis has dropped by about 30%, attributing this decline to heightened enforcement measures. “Crime in Minnesota, specifically in Minneapolis, is down 25 to 30 percent because we’ve removed thousands of criminals from our communities,” he stated. “These are hardened criminals… Most of them came in through open borders, and we’ve done a great job.”

The initiative known as Operation Metro Surge deployed thousands of immigration agents to Minneapolis and St. Paul, resulting in numerous arrests and inciting both public outrage and resistance.

In contrast, President Biden has voiced opposition to the crackdown on immigration in Minnesota, arguing that it contradicts American values.

Trump also referenced crime statistics from other large cities, asserting that his administration has made substantial progress on the crime front. He noted, “Look at Washington, D.C. It seems like a safe city. You can walk to the White House. You don’t have to get in an armored vehicle.” He used New Orleans and Memphis, Tennessee, as further examples of success, saying crime in New Orleans fell by 71% following federal intervention.

“In Memphis, Tennessee, crime fell by 80% after just five weeks,” he added, emphasizing that such trends highlight the effectiveness of his administration’s strict crime policies. “Historically, crime has declined in this country. This is the lowest it’s ever been,” Trump remarked, attributing this reduction to a tough stance on crime.

Earlier this week, White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt pointed out that homicides in major U.S. cities have reached their lowest levels since 1900, partly due to increased federal arrests and deportations following Trump’s commitment to “restore law and order.”

Meanwhile, Trump indicated he had decided to withdraw hundreds of federal law enforcement officials from Minneapolis after the recent shooting deaths of two residents, suggesting that the Department of Homeland Security might adopt a “softer response” going forward.

On Wednesday, border czar Tom Homan announced plans for about 700 federal workers to be withdrawn from the Twin Cities, aiming for a complete withdrawal in the near future. The White House has not yet responded to inquiries regarding this development.