Minneapolis Mayor Frey: Trump’s Insurrection Act Move Would Be ‘Shocking’
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey expressed strong opposition to the potential deployment of military forces by President Donald Trump under the Insurrection Act. In a recent interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Frey described such a move as “shocking.” He emphasized that crime rates in the city have declined across multiple categories, asserting, “We don’t need more federal agents to keep people safe. We are safe.”
Crime Statistics in Minneapolis
The mayor highlighted that, in the last 28 days, Minneapolis has experienced a reduction in crime, including:
- Vandalism
- Theft
- Weapons violations
However, there has been an increase in certain categories of crime, notably:
- Assault offenses
- Motor vehicle theft
Political Responses and Statements
Responding to Mayor Frey’s comments, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson criticized him, claiming he prioritized “criminal illegal aliens over law-abiding Americans.” She also accused him of inciting violence against law enforcement.
Trump recently asserted that he may invoke the Insurrection Act to address protests, which he characterized as actions of “professional agitators and insurrectionists.” The Pentagon has put approximately 1,500 active-duty troops on standby, as part of advanced preparations for any potential military deployment in Minnesota.
Federal Troop Preparedness
These troops are drawn from two battalions of the 11th Airborne Division. Officials clarified that this readiness is merely “prudent planning,” with no confirmation on whether Trump plans to proceed with invoking the Insurrection Act. A White House official remarked that it is standard protocol for military readiness in response to presidential decisions.
Legal and Political Fallout
In a separate development, the Justice Department is reportedly investigating Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, both Democrats, under allegations related to impeding federal immigration operations. Mayor Frey denied receiving any subpoenas but expressed concern regarding federal targeting of elected officials for their political positions.
Governor Walz also criticized the Trump administration, describing efforts to weaponize the justice system against political opponents as a dangerous tactic. Both Frey and Walz have been vocal against the administration’s immigration strategies and condemned the recent actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), particularly following the fatal shooting of Minneapolis resident Renee Nicole Good.
Calls for ICE to Leave Minneapolis
Frey reiterated his call for ICE to withdraw from the city, stating, “If the goal is safety, then having ICE leave could be a very effective antidote to the dangers we’ve been facing.” This ongoing tension reflects broader concerns regarding federal involvement in local law enforcement and the implications it holds for community safety.
