Minneapolis Mayor Urges National Coalition Against Federal Immigration Tactics, Warns of Civil Rights Erosion
WASHINGTON — Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey delivered a stark warning to municipal leaders gathered at the U.S. Conference of Mayors on Thursday, framing the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement as a direct threat to local autonomy and civil liberties. Frey urged a united front against federal operations he claims are sowing fear and discrimination in American cities.
"We are on the front lines of a battle for the soul of our communities," Frey stated. "If we remain silent out of fear that we might be targeted next, we have already lost. The question isn't if this comes to your city—it's when."
The Democratic mayor, whose city has been a focal point for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity, detailed accounts of residents being "indiscriminately pulled from the streets" based on perceived ethnicity. He asserted that constitutional protections are being "trampled" by the sheer scale of federal presence, citing the deployment of thousands of agents to a city with roughly 600 local police officers.
Contradicting administration claims that such operations enhance security, Frey pointed to Minneapolis crime data showing declines "in virtually every category and neighborhood" prior to the federal surge. "Safety is eroded when chaos reigns," he argued, noting that families now fear routine activities like taking children to school or shopping for groceries.
The mayor explicitly called for an end to "Operation Metro Surge" in Minneapolis and a nationwide reevaluation of ICE tactics. He rejected partisan framing, insisting the issue transcends political affiliation. "This is about the foundational principle that government should not weaponize its power against its own people," Frey said. "We've witnessed this pattern in authoritarian regimes abroad. We cannot let it take root here."
Background & Escalation
The speech follows a tense week of negotiations between state and federal officials. White House border coordinator Tom Homan met with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison to discuss a potential drawdown of federal agents. While Homan described talks as "productive," Frey remains skeptical, accusing the Department of Justice of being wielded as a "political weapon" against dissenting local officials.
The debate unfolds against a backdrop of heightened national tension over immigration policy and federal overreach. Recent clashes in Minneapolis resulted in the deaths of two state residents during enforcement actions, amplifying local criticism.
Voices from the Community
"Finally, a leader with the courage to name this for what it is: institutionalized bullying," said Maya Chen, a civil rights attorney based in Minneapolis. "The data shows these raids don't improve safety—they shatter trust between police and immigrant communities, making everyone less secure."
"This isn't leadership; it's political theater that puts law enforcement at risk," countered David Riggs, a retired police captain. "Mayor Frey is undermining the very agents working to uphold laws his administration refuses to enforce. His rhetoric is irresponsible and endangers public safety."
"As a Somali-American business owner, I've seen the fear firsthand," shared Fatima Hassan. "Customers have vanished. People are afraid to leave their homes. This isn't about legality—it's about racial profiling tearing our community apart."
"Frey is exploiting tragedy to advance an open-borders agenda," argued Mark Tolbert, a local talk radio host, sharply. "He's turned a sanctuary city into a safe haven for criminals while vilifying federal officers doing their jobs. If he cared about 'constitutional rights,' he'd start with the victims of crimes committed by illegal immigrants he's coddling."
Frey confirmed he has no scheduled meeting with President Trump during his Washington visit, but plans to continue lobbying congressional representatives on Capitol Hill.
Reporting contributed by Anders Hagstrom; additional background and analysis by the News Desk.