Democratic Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey made headlines on Thursday as he hinted at escalating tensions in his city while firmly vowing not to “take the bait” from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Protests have surged in Minneapolis and across the country following a tragic incident where an ICE agent fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Good, a local resident who obstructed ICE vehicles with her car before accelerating into the agents surrounding her.
In an exchange with CBS Evening News host Tony Dokoupil, Frey refrained from outlining a clear strategy to calm the charged situation. Instead, he emphasized a communal voice, stating, “we are going to stand up for our immigrant community… keep people safe, and… not going to take the bait.” His remarks reflect a concerted effort among local leaders to present unity in the face of federal enforcement actions.
Frey’s comments came against a backdrop of protesters likening ICE agents to “Nazis” and expressing intense frustration with federal operations. This rhetoric adds fuel to an already fiery atmosphere. The mayor’s assertion that Minneapolis is “all singing with one accord” indicates a local government eager to maintain public support, particularly among those who view ICE operations as aggressive and unjust.
The situation has taken on political layers as well. After Good’s shooting, Frey lashed out against ICE, exclaiming, “get the f*ck out” of Minneapolis. This moment underscores a growing rift between local and federal authorities. He countered claims from the Trump administration that Good acted in a threatening manner, asserting that she merely tried to leave the scene. This disagreement highlights the competing narratives surrounding not just the events that led to her death but also the broader discourse on ICE’s role in communities.
On the national stage, Homeland Security officials, including Secretary Kristi Noem, characterized the incident as justified self-defense by the agent involved, citing a history of violent vehicle attacks against federal law enforcement. This tension reflects increasing fears within federal agencies regarding the safety of their officers amid mounting protests.
Additionally, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz commented on the relationship between the state and federal government, asserting, “Minnesota has never been at war with our federal government.” Governor Walz’s stance raises questions about the potential deployment of the National Guard in response to ICE operations. While he authorized the National Guard on Thursday to be prepared for local enforcement support, it remains unclear how that would manifest in the ongoing dialogue with federal law enforcement.
The number of vehicular assaults against federal law enforcement has surged drastically this year. According to the Department of Homeland Security, there were 99 incidents reported as of November 2025, more than doubling from the previous year. Critically, attacks against ICE agents alone soared by an astounding 1,300 percent, painting a stark picture of escalating violence against federal authorities over time.
As local leadership navigates this complicated landscape, the path forward remains uncertain. Frey’s firm stance against ICE, paired with the challenges of controlling public sentiment, may shape the future of Minneapolis’ interactions with federal agencies. Ultimately, the tension between community advocates and federal law enforcement signals a moment of significant public unease, one that could have lasting implications for both local governance and federal enforcement strategies.
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