Trump Warns Minneapolis Mayor Over Immigration Enforcement Stance
President Trump warned Jacob Frey he is 'playing with fire' after Frey said Minneapolis will not enforce federal immigration laws.
Overview
President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social on Jan. 28, 2026 that Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey "is PLAYING WITH FIRE" after Frey said the city "does not, and will not, enforce Federal Immigration Laws," according to the post.
The warning followed White House border czar Tom Homan's Jan. 26-27, 2026 meetings with Mayor Frey and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz about Operation Metro Surge amid federal reviews of recent deadly encounters involving Renee Good and Alex Pretti, officials said.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey wrote on X on Jan. 27, 2026 that police should "keep people safe, not enforce fed immigration laws" and defended sanctuary policies as necessary to preserve trust in 911 reporting, according to his posts.
A White House-affiliated X account urged Minneapolis to honor ICE detainers and Tom Homan called the meetings "productive," while city leaders and legal analysts disputed federal tactics, officials and analysts said.
Legal analysts warned the standoff could prompt court challenges over whether the federal government can compel local cooperation with ICE, and Tom Homan is set to report back to the White House as talks continue, analysts said.
Analysis
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Sources (6)
FAQ
Operation Metro Surge is a federal immigration enforcement operation by the Trump administration deploying thousands of ICE and other federal agents in Minneapolis and Minnesota to target undocumented individuals, escalating after fatal shootings amid criticisms of unlawful conduct.
Renee Good was fatally shot by an ICE agent, sparking public outrage, protests, and escalation of federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis; Alex Pretti is mentioned in context of recent deadly encounters under federal review.
Mayor Frey stated on X that Minneapolis police should focus on keeping people safe rather than enforcing federal immigration laws, defending sanctuary policies to maintain trust in 911 reporting.
Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and the State of Minnesota filed a lawsuit against the federal government seeking a Temporary Restraining Order to stop unlawful immigration enforcement, including racial profiling, excessive force, and operations at sensitive locations.
Legal analysts warn of potential court challenges over whether the federal government can compel local cooperation with ICE detainers, amid disputes over federal tactics and sanctuary city policies.
History
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