Trump Attributes 30% Crime Drop in Minneapolis to Federal Enforcement Efforts
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — President Donald Trump defended the federal law enforcement operations underway in Minneapolis, asserting that crime in the city has fallen by as much as 30% following the removal of thousands of individuals he described as “hardened criminals.” Speaking in an interview with NBC News correspondent Tom Llamas, Trump credited the decline in crime to the intensified federal enforcement efforts targeting immigration violations and criminal activity.
“The crime numbers in Minnesota, in Minneapolis in particular, are down 25, 30% because we’ve removed thousands of criminals from the area,” Trump said. “These are hardened criminals… Most of them came in through an open border, and we’ve done a great job.”
The president’s remarks come amid Operation Metro Surge, a concerted effort by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency that has deployed thousands of immigration agents to Minneapolis and St. Paul. The operation has resulted in thousands of arrests, focusing on individuals with criminal records and immigration violations. However, it has also sparked significant public resistance and criticism from local officials and community groups.
Federal authorities have emphasized that the operation is aimed at improving public safety by targeting individuals who pose a threat to the community. The Department of Homeland Security has supported the initiative, highlighting the importance of enforcing immigration laws to reduce crime and enhance security.
Despite the administration’s claims, the enforcement campaign has drawn sharp criticism from some local leaders and advocacy organizations who argue that the crackdown undermines community trust in law enforcement and exacerbates tensions. Critics have also raised concerns about the impact on immigrant communities and the potential for civil rights violations.
President Trump’s comments come as the federal government continues to prioritize immigration enforcement in key urban areas, framing these efforts as essential to restoring law and order. The administration’s approach contrasts with that of some state and local officials who have sought to limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and local law enforcement agencies will be closely watched in the coming months to assess the long-term impact of the federal operations on crime rates in Minneapolis and the surrounding region.
As the debate over immigration enforcement and public safety continues, the Trump administration remains committed to its strategy of aggressive federal intervention, asserting that it has yielded tangible results in reducing crime and enhancing community security.
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