Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey made headlines this week following a meeting with Border Czar Tom Homan. While Frey describes the conversation as “productive,” his stance on sanctuary city policies remains clear. He once infamously told ICE to “get the f*ck out of Minneapolis,” and his latest remarks reinforce that sentiment.
Frey is adamant that his city will not enforce federal immigration laws. “I also made it clear that Minneapolis does not and will not enforce federal immigration laws,” he stated. The mayor shared concerns about Operation Metro Surge, a Trump administration initiative aimed at apprehending illegal immigrants, which he argues has adversely affected Minneapolis and strained its police force. This hard-line approach from Frey comes at a time when President Trump has called for local police to assist federal agents in detaining undocumented immigrants, claiming, “American cities should be safe sanctuaries for law-abiding American citizens ONLY, not illegal alien criminals.”
Despite Trump’s demands for cities to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, Frey appears unfazed. He insists that public safety is best served through community trust rather than tactics that sow fear. “Public safety works best when it’s built on community trust, not tactics that create fear or division,” Frey explained.
Meanwhile, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz chimed in after the meeting, celebrating what he labeled a “massive organized nonviolent resistance” that he claims forced the federal government to retreat. Walz brought attention to his belief that ICE operates dangerously within communities, labeling their law enforcement methods as “unorganized” and “dangerous.”
The meeting’s context is critical. With Minneapolis at the center of discussions surrounding immigration enforcement, both Frey and Walz represent a broader resistance to federal immigration policies. Their comments suggest a firm commitment to sanctuary city policies, further complicating the ongoing national debate around immigration reform.
Both Frey and Walz emphasize community trust and safe environments for all residents. However, with no sign of backing down from federal demands, tensions are likely to continue. Each leader maintains their course, suggesting that Minneapolis will remain a focal point in the sanctuary city dialogue long into the future.
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