Democratic Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey made headlines during his appearance on “Fox & Friends” as he defended his stance against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). His remarks raised eyebrows, particularly regarding the criminal elements ICE has apprehended in his city.
In an exchange with Fox News’ Griff Jenkins, Frey did not shy away from his previous outbursts against ICE, notably telling them to “get the f*** out” after the killing of Renee Good. When Jenkins asked if that was the right response, Frey firmly maintained, “I stand by exactly what I said.” This suggests that he is unwilling to reconsider the aggressive language he has used in the past, despite the potential implications for public safety in Minneapolis.
The mayor expressed frustration with the federal government’s handling of the situation, claiming they had prematurely labeled the ICE agent’s actions as self-defense while branding the victim as a “domestic terrorist.” His insistence on this viewpoint raises questions about his commitment to impartiality, particularly in the realm of law enforcement and community safety.
Jenkins pressed Frey to reconsider his remarks, hinting that ICE’s presence in Minneapolis stems from issues that have lingered under various administrations, including that of former President Biden. He pointed out that those arrested in ICE operations are often dangerous individuals and posed a direct question: Would Frey agree that public safety improves when these offenders are removed from the streets? Frey responded with a vague sentiment towards safety, declaring, “In Minneapolis and in Minnesota, we are anti-murder, we are anti-crime.” However, his words fell short of a clear acknowledgment of the impact of ICE’s work on community safety.
When confronted about the nature of those apprehended by ICE, Frey attempted to clarify his stance. “If you commit a crime, if you commit fraud, if you commit a carjacking or a murder,” he stated, individuals should face legal consequences. Yet, he also claimed many of those ICE detains are not a threat to Minneapolis, a claim that could perplex many, especially given past reports of ICE arrests involving serious offenders, including alleged sex offenders.
Frey’s attempt to defend those apprehended by ICE raises significant concerns. By suggesting that some of these criminals are not a problem for the community, he risks alienating concerned citizens who question the judgment behind such assertions. Critics might argue that dismissing the danger posed by any class of criminal undermines the very notion of public safety Frey professes to uphold.
In conclusion, the mayor’s steadfast defense of his anti-ICE position, combined with his effort to downplay the dangers posed by ICE apprehensions, illustrates a complex and contentious relationship between local and federal authorities in matters of public safety. As he continues to grapple with these issues, it remains to be seen how his rhetoric will impact the citizens of Minneapolis and their perception of safety in their communities.
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