In a carefully crafted social media video, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey positioned himself as a staunch advocate for immigrant communities. The video, released on Wednesday, featured Frey speaking with a local Latino radio station, where he criticized U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and promised sanctuary-style protections.
Frey’s bold declarations began with a clear message of welcome and solidarity. “Let me tell you very clearly: I am proud to have you in our city, to call you my neighbor, to call you my family,” he told listeners of La Raza. He insisted on the importance of the Latino community, asserting that they “make our city a better place.” Throughout the conversation, Frey emphasized the idea of safety for immigrants in Minneapolis, encouraging them to reach out to the Minneapolis Police Department without fear of immigration enforcement. “You can feel safe calling 911, because the MPD does not do immigration enforcement work,” he stated, highlighting the police force’s role in ensuring public safety.
A notable moment came when Frey was caught on camera embracing a man beside him, expressing personal support through gestures of kindness and camaraderie. This visible warmth could be seen as an effort to reinforce his commitment to inclusivity. He drew attention to the courage of those he met, telling the man, “You’ve got a lot of people that care about you. You’re brave and you’re tough.” Such remarks reflect a deliberate strategy to present a more personal side to his political stance.
At the center of Frey’s message was an indictment of ICE and its impact on local communities. He accused the agency of fostering fear among families. “We talked honestly about the real harm federal immigration agents are causing in our neighborhoods — spreading fear and hurting families,” he shared in a written post. His remarks were particularly pointed, given their timing just after federal prosecutors announced an investigation into his actions. “When the federal government weaponizes its power to intimidate local leaders for doing their jobs, every American should be concerned,” Frey proclaimed, placing his situation within a broader narrative about government overreach.
Through this video and his accompanying social media remarks, Frey sought to strengthen his image as a protector of his constituents’ rights, emphasizing that, in Minneapolis, residents should not live in fear. His statements serve as a reflection of his leadership style, one that values community engagement and solidarity over confrontation with federal authorities. Frey concluded his comments with a promise: “In Minneapolis, we won’t be afraid. We know the difference between right and wrong and, as Mayor, I’ll continue doing the job I was elected to do: keeping our community safe and standing up for our values.” This underscores his commitment to prioritizing local concerns amid rising tensions between municipal leaders and federal immigration enforcement.
In all, Frey’s actions and words resonate with a clear effort to position himself as an ally to marginalized communities while navigating a complex political landscape. His combination of personal engagement and broad political statements seeks to both reassure his constituents and establish a robust defense against federal scrutiny.
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