Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey Faces Backlash Over Criticism of ICE Amid Officer Shooting
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — In the wake of a recent officer-involved shooting, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey sharply criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), accusing the agency of “sowing chaos” in the city. The mayor’s comments, delivered during a press conference, have reignited a contentious debate over sanctuary policies and public safety in Minneapolis.
“To ICE, get the f*** out of Minneapolis. We don’t want you here,” Frey declared, channeling rhetoric reminiscent of the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests that led to widespread unrest in the city. He further asserted that ICE agents are not contributing to safety but rather “sowing chaos on our streets, and this case, quite literally killing people.”
However, these statements have drawn swift criticism from former Department of Homeland Security officials Chad Wolf and Cooper J. Smith. In an opinion piece published by Fox News, they contend that Mayor Frey’s sanctuary policies, rather than ICE operations, are responsible for undermining public safety. They argue that the city’s refusal to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement has created conditions that endanger both law enforcement officers and residents.
The state of Minnesota, including Minneapolis, is designated a sanctuary jurisdiction by the Department of Justice due to policies that impede federal immigration enforcement. Minneapolis’ so-called “Separation Ordinance” explicitly prohibits city participation in federal immigration enforcement and mandates opposition to any efforts requiring local resources for such enforcement.
Wolf and Smith highlight that cooperation between local and federal law enforcement is crucial for effective operations. Local agencies provide essential support such as crowd control, intelligence sharing, and logistical assistance during federal actions. The absence of such collaboration, they argue, compromises the safety of officers and the community alike.
By contrast, states like Florida, under Governor Ron DeSantis, have embraced partnerships with ICE through programs like the 287(g) agreements. These collaborations have enabled operations such as “Operation Tidal Wave,” which has led to the arrest of over 10,000 criminal illegal aliens, according to data from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Advocates of these measures claim they enhance public safety by ensuring that immigration violations are addressed alongside other criminal activities.
Mayor Frey’s stance has also drawn warnings from officials such as Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, who cautioned Minnesota protesters against challenging federal law enforcement efforts. The tension underscores the broader national debate over immigration enforcement and sanctuary policies, with Minneapolis positioned at the center of this contentious issue.
The mayor’s critics assert that his rhetoric not only misplaces blame but also perpetuates policies that hinder law enforcement effectiveness. As investigations into the recent shooting continue, the discourse surrounding the role of ICE and sanctuary jurisdictions remains deeply polarized.
For more information on federal immigration enforcement and sanctuary policies, visit the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice websites.
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