Trump Accuses Minnesota Democrats of Using ICE Protests to Distract From State Fraud Allegations
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Former President Donald Trump escalated his criticism of Minnesota Democrats on Sunday, accusing them of leveraging protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations to divert public attention from a massive state fraud scandal. Speaking on his Truth Social platform, Trump condemned the opposition to federal immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities, asserting that ICE agents are focused on removing “violent criminals” from the community.
“ICE is removing some of the most violent criminals in the World from our Country, and bring them back home, where they belong,” Trump wrote. “Why is Minnesota fighting this? Do they really want murderers and drug dealers to be ensconced in their community? The thugs that are protesting include many highly paid professional agitators and anarchists. Is this really what Minnesota wants?”
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has conducted a series of operations in Minneapolis and St. Paul targeting individuals with criminal records, a move that has sparked protests from local activists and elected officials alike. Among those Trump singled out were Governor Tim Walz and Representative Ilhan Omar, both Democrats, whom he accused of tolerating the protests to keep the spotlight off an ongoing fraud investigation involving more than $18 billion in alleged state-level financial misconduct.
Trump’s comments come amid heightened tensions in Minnesota, where federal agents have intensified efforts to detain undocumented immigrants with criminal convictions. The protests have drawn national attention, with critics arguing that the operations disproportionately target minority communities and exacerbate local tensions. Supporters of the ICE actions, however, argue that the agency is fulfilling its mandate to enforce immigration laws and protect public safety.
Governor Walz has defended the state’s response to the ICE operations, emphasizing a commitment to community safety and due process. Representative Omar, a vocal advocate for immigrant rights, has condemned the federal actions as heavy-handed and counterproductive, describing some protesters as exercising their constitutional rights peacefully. Videos circulating on social media have fueled debate over the nature of the protests, with conflicting accounts of incidents involving ICE agents and demonstrators.
The Department of Homeland Security, under which ICE operates, has reiterated its focus on removing individuals who pose threats to public safety, including those with violent criminal histories. Meanwhile, local officials have called for dialogue and de-escalation to prevent further unrest.
The fraud allegations that Trump referenced involve a sprawling investigation into state financial irregularities, which has drawn scrutiny from multiple agencies. While details remain under wraps due to ongoing probes, the issue has become a flashpoint in Minnesota politics, with Republicans seizing on it to challenge Democratic leadership.
The controversy highlights the complex intersection of immigration enforcement, local governance, and political maneuvering. As the federal government continues its operations, Minnesota remains a focal point for debates over immigration policy and accountability.
For more information on immigration enforcement and related policies, visit the ICE official site and the Department of Homeland Security immigration enforcement page. Updates on the state fraud investigation can be found through the Minnesota Office of the State Auditor and the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office.
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