Walz and Frey Escalate Pushback Against ICE, Demand Federal Agency’s Departure from Minnesota
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey are intensifying their opposition to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), calling for the agency to cease operations within the state. The escalating tensions follow a month of vocal criticism and a recent meeting between state officials and a high-ranking federal immigration official.
The dispute centers on ICE’s activities in Minneapolis and the broader impact of federal immigration enforcement on local communities. Governor Walz publicly reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for the rights of immigrants, specifically referencing the case of Alex Pretti. “I made a promise to Alex Pretti’s parents to continue to tell his story,” Walz stated in a post on X on Thursday, November 9th. Pretti, described as an ICU nurse at the VA, an outdoorsman, and a valued member of the Minnesota community, represents the human cost of aggressive immigration policies, according to Walz.
Following a Tuesday meeting with Tom Homan, often referred to as the “border tsar,” Walz outlined three key demands: “impartial investigations, the departure of federal forces, and an end to the campaign of retribution against our state.” The governor’s statement suggests a belief that ICE’s actions have been disproportionate and potentially retaliatory.
Mayor Frey echoed these concerns, directly responding to former President Trump’s criticism of his stance. Trump reportedly accused Frey of “playing with fire.” Frey countered, emphasizing the primary responsibility of local law enforcement. “The job of the police is to keep people safe, not enforce fed immigration laws,” Frey posted on X. “I want them preventing homicides, not hunting down a working dad who contributes to MPLS & is from Ecuador.” This statement highlights a core disagreement over the role of local police in federal immigration enforcement.
Despite the strong rhetoric, Homan characterized his meeting with Walz and Frey as a “productive starting point.” This suggests a potential, albeit fragile, opening for dialogue. However, the fundamental disagreement over ICE’s presence and activities in Minnesota remains unresolved.
The situation underscores a growing trend of local leaders challenging federal immigration policies and prioritizing community safety over strict enforcement. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether a compromise can be reached or if the conflict between Minnesota officials and ICE will continue to escalate.
