President Trump has articulated specific demands to Minnesota leaders regarding the ongoing Operation Metro Surge, emphasizing a need for enhanced federal and state cooperation. Through a post on Truth Social, Trump urged Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to hand over what he referred to as “criminal illegal aliens” who have active warrants or criminal histories. Trump also called for local law enforcement to assist in the arrests and detentions of these individuals.
The Trump administration has attributed the tensions in the Twin Cities to Democratic officials but noted that progress was made following a conversation with Mayor Frey. Local police departments, including those in Minneapolis and Hennepin County, already collaborate with federal authorities on certain criminal matters. However, existing policies and ordinances hinder local law enforcement from participating in federal immigration enforcement.
Mayor Frey reaffirmed Minneapolis’s commitment to participating in criminal investigations while emphasizing that the city would not engage in what he termed unconstitutional arrests or enforcement of federal immigration laws. This stance complicates the fulfillment of Trump’s demands.
Calls for de-escalation and alignment among various governmental entities are becoming more pronounced. Jim Mortenson, the head of Law Enforcement Labor Services—the state’s largest public safety labor union—expressed the need for a summit involving federal, state, and local leaders to discuss ways to enhance collaboration on immigration enforcement. Mortenson acknowledged that a balanced approach is necessary given the complexities surrounding immigration enforcement.
Trump pointed to states like Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida as examples of local governments successfully promoting cooperation with immigration authorities, suggesting that Minnesota could learn from these models to better manage its current challenges.
Community reactions to the proposal have been mixed. Some residents express that cooperation between local police and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may enhance public safety, while others argue it would erode trust and jeopardize community relations. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also endorsed the idea, stating that local law enforcement should assist federal agents in apprehending individuals who are in the country illegally and have criminal backgrounds.
However, many community leaders voiced concerns. Jaylani Hussein, Executive Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Minnesota, reported that recent ICE activities have strained community trust. He noted the long-standing efforts of local law enforcement to rebuild relationships following the George Floyd incident, cautioning that collaboration with ICE could undo those advances.
Conversely, some residents, like St. Cloud’s Zach X, support the idea of local police partnering with federal officers, seeking additional support for ICE operations.
The ongoing discussions highlight a pivotal moment for Minnesota, as local leaders navigate the complex intersection of public safety, community trust, and federal immigration enforcement. As these dialogues continue, the hope remains for a cooperative approach that respects community needs while addressing public safety concerns.