Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey unleashed a profanity-laced tirade against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Wednesday, demanding federal agents “get the f out” of the city following the fatal shooting of a woman by an ICE agent. The incident occurred when the woman was reportedly blocking law enforcement vehicles with her own. This explosive response highlights deep-seated tensions between local authorities and federal immigration operations. The mayor’s strong words came during a news conference where he directly challenged the narrative presented by federal officials. “We do not want you here,” Frey declared, his voice echoing the frustration felt by many in the community. He labeled the federal claim that the woman was a “rioter” who “weaponized her vehicle, attempting to run over our law enforcement officers in an attempt to kill them” as “bulls” and a “garbage narrative.” Mayor Frey stated that his assessment was based on video evidence he had reviewed of the incident. He asserted that the shooting was a result of an agent “recklessly using power that resulted in somebody dying, getting killed.” This direct contradiction of the federal account underscores the severity of the situation and the conflicting perspectives surrounding the event. Unverified videos circulating online appear to show the woman slowly maneuvering her vehicle while surrounded by law enforcement agents. As she attempted to drive away, an officer discharged multiple shots. The vehicle subsequently lost control and crashed into a telephone pole. The exact sequence of events leading to the shooting is a key point of contention. The woman sustained a gunshot wound to the head and was tragically pronounced dead at a local hospital shortly after the incident, according to Minneapolis police. The loss of life has intensified calls for accountability and a thorough investigation into the use of deadly force by federal agents. While urging community members to remain peaceful, Mayor Frey cautioned that any instances of violence from protesters could be exploited by the White House to justify further military-style enforcement in the city. The Trump administration has already deployed approximately 2,000 agents to Minneapolis as part of an immigration and anti-fraud crackdown. Minneapolis has a history of significant public unrest, notably in 2020 following the police murder of George Floyd, which led to widespread protests, looting, and rioting. The mayor’s concern about potential escalation underscores the delicate balance of maintaining order while addressing public grievances. “They are not here to cause safety in this city,” Frey stated emphatically about the ICE agents. “What they are doing is not to provide safety in America. What they are doing is causing chaos and distrust.” This sentiment reflects a broader critique of federal immigration policies and their impact on urban communities. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara expressed his deep concern regarding the shooting. He emphasized that in any professional law enforcement agency, officers undergo “intense” training to de-escalate situations and avoid using deadly force against unarmed civilians, a scenario that appears to have unfolded in this case. Both the FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension are slated to investigate the shooting. The incident took place during a protest against immigration operations in the vicinity of 34th Street and Portland Avenue, an area that has seen increased federal activity. The Trump administration’s surge of immigration agents into the Minneapolis area began late last year. Recent days saw an intensification of operations following a viral video that alleged fraudulent activities by Minneapolis day care centers. This crackdown appears to be part of a broader agenda. The increased federal presence and operations in Minneapolis have also coincided with President Trump’s frequently critical remarks about the substantial Somali population residing in the Twin Cities, whom he has disparaged. The context of these political statements adds another layer to the community’s distrust of federal actions. What is the primary reason for Mayor Frey’s strong opposition to ICE presence in Minneapolis? The primary reason for Mayor Frey’s strong opposition to ICE presence in Minneapolis is his belief that federal agents are not promoting safety but are instead causing chaos and distrust within the city, especially after a fatal shooting incident involving an ICE agent. The situation underscores the complex relationship between federal law enforcement agencies and local municipal governments, particularly in areas with diverse populations and a history of social activism. The investigation into the shooting will be closely watched by both federal authorities and the Minneapolis community. The aftermath of this event is likely to fuel further debate over immigration policy and the use of force by federal agents. The mayor’s public outburst is a clear signal of the deep divisions and mistrust that exist. It remains to be seen how the investigations will unfold and what implications this incident will have for federal operations in Minneapolis and other cities across the nation. The call for federal agents to leave is a powerful statement of local autonomy and a plea for de-escalation. The specific details surrounding the woman’s actions and the ICE agent’s response are critical to understanding the full scope of the incident. The conflicting accounts highlight the need for transparency and a thorough, impartial investigation to determine the facts and ensure accountability for any wrongdoing. The broader context of immigration enforcement and its impact on communities of color cannot be ignored. Mayor Frey’s impassioned plea reflects a deep concern for the well-being of his constituents and a desire to protect them from what he perceives as overreach and injustice by federal authorities. The events in Minneapolis serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in balancing national security concerns with local community needs and rights.
