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President Trump announced a “very good” call with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and plans for border czar Tom Homan to meet with the mayor as tensions continue to escalate over federal immigration enforcement operations in the city.
“I just had a very good telephone conversation with Mayor Jacob Frey, of Minneapolis,” Trump wrote on Truth Social Monday. “Lots of progress is being made! Tom Homan will be meeting with him tomorrow in order to continue the discussion. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
The presidential outreach comes amid ongoing riots sparked by the federal immigration initiative known as Operation Metro Surge. The operation has become a flashpoint in the national immigration debate, with local officials expressing concerns about constitutional rights while federal authorities cite public safety priorities.
Mayor Frey offered a contrasting perspective on the conversation, emphasizing his opposition to the federal operation while acknowledging the dialogue with Trump.
“I spoke with President Trump today and appreciated the conversation. I expressed how much Minneapolis has benefited from our immigrant communities and was clear that my main ask is that Operation Metro Surge needs to end,” Frey stated. “The president agreed the present situation can’t continue.”
According to Frey, some federal agents will begin withdrawing from the area as early as Tuesday. He indicated he would continue pushing for the complete withdrawal of forces involved in the operation, while maintaining cooperation with state and federal agencies on “real criminal investigations.”
“Minneapolis will continue to cooperate with state and federal law enforcement on real criminal investigations — but we will not participate in unconstitutional arrests of our neighbors or enforce federal immigration law,” Frey added, emphasizing his stance that violent criminals should be held accountable for their actions regardless of their country of origin.
The communication with Frey followed an earlier call between Trump and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz about the escalating situation. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the presidential outreach during her Monday briefing, framing it within the administration’s law enforcement priorities.
“We want to let cops be cops,” Leavitt told reporters, while criticizing both Walz and Frey for allegedly encouraging anti-ICE protesters. She connected this rhetoric to the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were killed during law enforcement operations earlier this month.
Leavitt outlined the administration’s approach to restoring order in Minnesota, including demands that state and local officials transfer custody of undocumented immigrants who are incarcerated or have active warrants or known criminal histories.
The federal immigration enforcement actions have created a complex political situation in Minneapolis, a city with significant immigrant communities and a history of tensions surrounding policing and immigration enforcement. The unrest represents one of the most visible confrontations between federal immigration authorities and local communities since Trump returned to office.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has previously reported that a “violent mob” interfered with their operations in Minneapolis, helping a suspect escape and leaving an agent with permanent injuries, according to earlier agency statements.
The planned meeting between Homan and Frey represents a potential opportunity to de-escalate tensions and find common ground between federal enforcement priorities and local concerns about community relations and constitutional protections.
As the situation continues to unfold, the administration’s approach to immigration enforcement in Minneapolis could signal its broader strategy for handling immigration enforcement in cities with leadership that has expressed resistance to federal operations.
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9 Comments
This is a tricky balancing act – federal priorities vs. local autonomy. Hope the meeting results in a practical approach that respects both sides’ perspectives on immigration enforcement.
It’s good to see dialogue between the federal government and local officials on such a sensitive issue. Constructive discussions are key to finding a balanced approach that respects both public safety and civil liberties.
Agreed, open communication can help bridge differences and find common ground. Hoping they can reach a thoughtful compromise that works for everyone.
Immigration is a charged issue, so it’s good to see the federal and local governments trying to find common ground. Thoughtful compromise will be key to address public safety while protecting civil liberties.
Agreed, nuance and good-faith efforts from both sides are needed to tackle this complex challenge. Hope they can find a workable solution that serves the broader community.
Glad to see the President and Mayor having a constructive dialogue on this matter. Immigration is a thorny issue, so open communication and a willingness to find middle ground are crucial.
Appreciate the outreach from the President to the Mayor. Constructive dialogue is always better than confrontation, even on difficult topics like immigration. Curious to see what concrete steps emerge from their discussion.
Interesting development – curious to see how the meeting with border czar Homan goes and what potential solutions they discuss. Immigration is a complex topic, so it will take nuanced problem-solving.
Yes, immigration is a contentious issue but hopefully they can find a middle ground that addresses public safety concerns while also protecting civil liberties.