Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey Labels Federal Agents as “Occupying Force”
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has sharply criticized the recent surge of federal immigration agents in his city, labeling them an “occupying force.” His remarks came during an interview on “Face the Nation” where he expressed concern over the number of federal agents deployed to Minnesota.
Concerns Over Federal Deployment
Frey highlighted that the recent influx includes 3,000 agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the border patrol. Additionally, he mentioned that around 1,500 active-duty military personnel are on standby in Alaska, potentially ready for deployment to Minneapolis amidst escalating tensions.
The situation intensified after the tragic shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer earlier this month, which has led to heightened protests. Frey emphasized that the presence of these federal agents does not contribute to the city’s safety. “If the goal were safety, this is not how you get there,” he stated, advocating for their removal.
Local Law Enforcement and Community Safety
In response to the situation, the Minnesota National Guard was mobilized, though they have not yet been deployed. Frey affirmed that local police and state officials are currently focused on maintaining peace within Minneapolis. He stated, “We are doing everything possible to keep the peace.”
- 3,000 ICE agents deployed.
- 1,500 active-duty military on standby.
- Shooting incident involving ICE officer.
Working with the Federal Government
While Frey acknowledged the importance of collaboration with federal authorities to curb crime, he stressed that the current efforts do not resonate with that goal. “This is not about safety… this is about coming into our city by the thousands and terrorizing people simply because they’re Latino or Somali,” he asserted.
Frey also responded to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s suggestion to establish a designated protest area for demonstrators. He countered that First Amendment rights should not be constrained to specific locations, emphasizing that many citizens are actively and peacefully voicing their concerns throughout the city.
Federal Investigation Claims
The Trump administration has accused Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz of fostering chaos, linking them to a federal investigation for allegedly obstructing immigration agents. However, Frey claimed he had not received any official notifications regarding such investigations. He expressed deep concern over the implications of such actions on local governance.
Frey stated, “This cannot happen in America,” underscoring the importance of mayors and local officials advocating for their communities without facing federal retribution.
As Minneapolis navigates this challenging situation, the mayor continues to call for dialogue and collaboration to ensure the safety and well-being of all its residents.
