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Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey headed to Washington, D.C. on Thursday to advocate for an end to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Minnesota, setting up a direct confrontation with the Trump administration over immigration enforcement.
Frey’s trip to the nation’s capital coincides with White House border czar Tom Homan’s vow to remain in Minnesota leading ICE operations “until the problem is gone.” The mayor is scheduled to address the U.S. Conference of Mayors at 1:45 p.m. ET before returning to Minneapolis Thursday evening.
“Mayor Jacob Frey is traveling to Washington, D.C. today to attend the U.S. Conference of Mayors, where he will meet with mayors and federal lawmakers from across the country to advocate for an end to Operation Metro Surge and other unlawful ICE operations,” his office said in a statement.
The statement added that during his visit, Frey will “participate in national discussions focused on how cities can work together to keep communities safe while upholding the rule of law.” It also highlighted local concerns, noting that “since Operation Metro Surge began in Minnesota, families have been torn apart, small businesses have suffered economic losses, and local law enforcement agencies have experienced increased strain.”
The conflict over immigration enforcement in Minneapolis represents a growing tension between local governments and federal authorities across the country. Many urban centers have adopted policies limiting local cooperation with ICE operations, citing community trust concerns and resource allocation.
Frey emphasized the broader implications of the situation, stating, “Minneapolis may be where we’ve seen one of the largest ICE deployments in the country, but it will not be the last if we fail to act.”
The standoff has drawn the attention of President Donald Trump, who posted on Truth Social Wednesday that Frey had made “a very serious violation of the Law” by stating Minneapolis would not enforce federal immigration laws. “Could somebody in his inner sanctum please explain that this statement is a very serious violation of the Law, and that he is PLAYING WITH FIRE!” Trump warned.
Frey responded directly to the president on social media platform X: “The job of our police is to keep people safe, not enforce fed immigration laws. I want them preventing homicides, not hunting down a working dad who contributes to MPLS & is from Ecuador. It’s similar to the policy your guy Rudy had in NYC. Everyone should feel safe calling 911.” The reference to former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani highlighted similar policies in other major cities.
Meanwhile, Homan indicated Thursday morning that the administration is developing a “drawdown plan” to decrease the federal presence in Minnesota, suggesting a potential de-escalation of the situation.
The conflict in Minneapolis exemplifies the complex jurisdictional issues surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States. Federal authorities maintain exclusive jurisdiction over immigration law, while local governments often assert their right to determine how police resources are allocated within their communities.
Immigration policy experts note that “sanctuary” policies like those advocated by Frey don’t prevent ICE from operating within cities, but rather limit local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Proponents argue these policies improve public safety by encouraging immigrant communities to report crimes without fear of deportation, while critics contend they undermine federal immigration enforcement.
The outcome of this high-profile confrontation could influence immigration enforcement approaches in other cities across the country, particularly as the Trump administration pursues aggressive immigration policies nationwide.
Federal officials have not indicated whether they plan to meet with Frey during his Washington visit, nor have they specified what conditions would lead to the conclusion of Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota.
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11 Comments
As someone who follows mining and energy news, I’m not directly affected by this immigration debate. But I can appreciate the mayor’s efforts to find a balanced approach that upholds the law while also protecting local businesses and families. These are complex problems without easy solutions.
Agreed, this issue touches on broader questions of federalism and the appropriate balance of power between federal and local authorities. It will be interesting to see if the mayor can make any headway in DC on this contentious topic.
This is a bold move by the Minneapolis mayor, taking his fight against ICE operations directly to Washington. While immigration is a charged political issue, I respect his willingness to stand up for his community’s interests, even if it puts him at odds with the Trump administration.
The tension between federal immigration enforcement and local community priorities is a perennial challenge. I’m curious to see if the Minneapolis mayor can find common ground with federal lawmakers or if this will escalate into an uncompromising standoff. These are complex issues without easy solutions.
As someone who follows energy and mining news, this immigration debate is not my main area of focus. But I can appreciate the complexities involved and the mayor’s efforts to advocate for his constituents. It will be interesting to see if he can make any headway in DC on this contentious issue.
While I’m not directly involved in the politics of immigration enforcement, I think it’s important for local leaders to advocate for their communities’ interests, even when that puts them at odds with the federal government. The mayor seems to be taking a principled stand here.
Yes, it’s a high-stakes confrontation, but the mayor appears committed to finding a solution that works for Minneapolis. Curious to see if he can broker any kind of compromise or accommodation with federal officials during his visit.
This seems like a bold move by the Minneapolis mayor, going directly to DC to challenge the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. I’m curious to hear more about the specific concerns from the local community and how the mayor plans to address them.
The mayor’s stance puts him at odds with the White House, which is likely to resist any attempt to limit ICE operations. It will be an uphill battle, but I admire the mayor’s willingness to advocate for his constituents on this sensitive issue.
Interesting to see the mayor of Minneapolis taking a stand against ICE operations in his city. While immigration enforcement is a complex and divisive issue, it’s important that local leaders advocate for community safety and upholding the rule of law.
Agreed, this highlights the tensions between federal and local priorities when it comes to immigration policy. It will be important to see how the mayor’s visit to DC unfolds and if he can find common ground with federal lawmakers.