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Minneapolis Mayor Calls for Peace Amid Immigration Enforcement Tensions
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey shifted his rhetoric Wednesday, calling for peace following escalating protests over federal immigration enforcement operations in the city. His appeal came just days after he had demanded that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) “get the f— out” of Minneapolis.
Frey appeared at a late-night news conference following an incident where an undocumented Venezuelan immigrant was shot in the leg after allegedly attacking a federal agent with a shovel.
“I’m calling for peace,” Frey told reporters. “Everybody has a role in achieving that peace — and we’re going to try and do everything we can to keep it.”
Despite his call for calm, Frey maintained his criticism of ICE operations in Minneapolis. “There’s still a lot that we don’t know at this time, but what I can tell you for certain is that this is not sustainable,” he said. “This is an impossible situation that our city is presently being put in.”
The mayor expressed concern about limited police resources being diverted to manage tensions between residents and federal agents. “We’re in a position right now where we have residents that are asking the very limited number of police officers that we have to fight ICE agents on the street,” he said. “We cannot be at a place right now in America where we have two governmental entities that are literally fighting one another.”
Frey claimed ICE and U.S. Border Patrol agents were “creating chaos,” though reports indicate many federal agents have faced confrontations, sometimes violent, from protesters opposing the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement efforts. “I’ve seen conduct by ICE that is disgusting and intolerable,” Frey added.
The mayor urged protesters to avoid “taking the bait” from President Donald Trump. “For anyone that is taking the bait tonight, stop,” he said. “That is not helpful… You are not helping the undocumented immigrants in our city. You are not helping the people that call this place home.”
The tension in Minneapolis stems from recent enforcement actions by ICE, including the controversial fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent last week. That incident prompted Frey’s earlier heated comments demanding ICE leave the city, which contrasts with his more measured tone on Wednesday.
When questioned about potentially inciting violence with his previous rhetoric, Frey defended himself: “Show a single place where I have encouraged anything other than peace. Show me a single place where we have encouraged violence.”
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the most recent shooting occurred after a federal agent opened fire on an undocumented immigrant who allegedly fled a traffic stop and then assaulted the agent with a snow shovel.
The situation has drawn attention from the highest levels of government. President Trump threatened Thursday to invoke the Insurrection Act if local authorities failed to restore order. “If the corrupt politicians of Minnesota don’t obey the law and stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of ICE, who are only trying to do their job, I will institute the INSURRECTION ACT,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz responded by urging Trump to “turn the temperature down,” highlighting the intensifying political dimensions of the conflict.
ICE responded directly to Walz on social media platform X: “The buck stops with you, Governor. Tone down the hostile, inflammatory anti-ICE rhetoric. Honor our immigration detainers. And work with ICE to remove criminal illegal aliens from MN streets.”
The tensions in Minneapolis reflect broader national debates over immigration enforcement, sanctuary city policies, and federal-local cooperation that have intensified under the current administration’s enhanced enforcement efforts.
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10 Comments
This is a complex and sensitive issue with no easy solutions. The mayor’s call for peace is understandable, though his continued criticism of ICE suggests the tensions are far from resolved. Striking the right balance between public safety and civil liberties will be an ongoing challenge.
You’re right, this is a delicate balancing act. The mayor seems to be trying to walk a fine line, acknowledging the need for calm while also voicing concerns about the broader impacts of immigration enforcement. Constructive dialogue will be key to finding a way forward.
It’s encouraging to see the mayor seeking to de-escalate tensions, even as he maintains his criticism of ICE’s actions. Finding the right balance between public safety and upholding civil liberties is always a delicate challenge for local leaders.
You make a fair point. The mayor seems to be trying to walk a fine line here. Hopefully, open dialogue and a focus on community needs can help chart a constructive path forward.
This incident highlights the ongoing clashes over immigration enforcement in the US. The mayor’s shift in tone, from harsh criticism to a call for peace, reflects the complexities involved. Effective conflict resolution will require empathy and compromise from all stakeholders.
Well said. Navigating these charged issues requires nuance and a willingness to listen to different perspectives. The mayor seems to recognize the need for a measured approach, even if full resolution remains elusive.
This is a complex and sensitive situation. The mayor seems to be trying to strike a balanced tone, calling for peace while also voicing concerns about the impact on local resources. I hope all sides can work constructively to address the underlying issues.
Agreed, a nuanced approach is needed. The mayor’s appeal for calm is wise, though the broader challenges around immigration enforcement remain contentious.
The mayor’s change in rhetoric is noteworthy, though the underlying tensions clearly persist. Immigration enforcement is a thorny topic with valid concerns on multiple sides. Fostering open dialogue and finding common ground will be crucial going forward.
Absolutely. Diffusing tensions while also addressing the core challenges requires skilled leadership. The mayor’s shift in tone suggests an attempt to de-escalate the situation, which is a prudent first step.