In a striking contrast to his re-election promises, President Donald J. Trump faces a wall of resistance from Minnesota’s political landscape, where local “leaders” have opted for defiance rather than collaboration. Rather than engaging with the Trump Administration to reinforce legal frameworks and ensure public safety, Democratic politicians in Minnesota proudly flaunt their “sanctuary” policies, advocate for non-compliance, and disparage ICE officials.
This dangerous mix of “sanctuary” strategies and anti-ICE sentiments has fostered a hostile environment that places federal agents at risk and fuels violence. There is no ambiguity here: the escalation of enforcement measures in Minnesota — along with the associated tension and violence — is the direct result of these officials’ refusal to partner with the Trump Administration, prioritizing their Radical Left agenda over public safety and adherence to the rule of law.
For years, Minnesota’s Democratic leadership has taken pride in positioning the state as a sanctuary for undocumented individuals, including those with criminal backgrounds:
- Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison asserted, “Local officials are not legally bound to collaborate with federal enforcement… Our state’s resources should focus on local matters, not immigration issues.”
- Ellison warned: “Law enforcement in Minnesota could face substantial civil liability if they enforce immigration detainers.”
- Ellison further proclaimed, “I believe in offering sanctuary to our neighbors. Imagine being in 1941 as a Gentile — would you shelter your Jewish neighbors from Nazi persecution? You might be about to face that moral test.”
- Governor Tim Walz stated, “The crux of Minnesota’s sanctuary status lies in who should enforce immigration laws… Law enforcement’s role is to uphold state and local laws, not to engage with federal immigration mandates, and I firmly believe they should refrain from doing so.”
- Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey conveyed, “To the undocumented population, we stand by you. We will do everything possible to assist because you’re not just a statistic in our city… As for cooperating with ICE, that’s a definite no.”
- Frey added, “Minneapolis will remain a sanctuary for undocumented immigrants.”
- Frey emphasized, “In Minneapolis, enforcing federal immigration law is not our responsibility.”
- Representative Ilhan Omar stated, “I stand with Minnesota officials who are protecting our values and immigrant neighbors from these unconstitutional assaults on sanctuary policies.”
- Omar declared, “I will persist in fighting against the criminalization of immigrants.”
- Omar insisted, “We are committed to safeguarding immigrant families from mass detentions and deportations.”
- Omar expressed, “We need strategic plans to protect… undocumented individuals.”
- Omar reassured, “If you’re an undocumented immigrant, you are in my thoughts, and I will continue to advocate for you.”
- Minnesota State Senator Omar Fateh remarked, “With President Trump’s immigration strategies targeting sanctuary cities like Minneapolis, the anxiety surrounding ICE raids is palpable, and our communities are understandably on edge… Minneapolis remains resolute in its commitment to protect our neighbors.”
- Minneapolis City Council Member Jason Chavez stated, “In Minneapolis, we stand firm in our values of safeguarding undocumented individuals and will not assist in immigration enforcement. It’s not our duty to carry out the federal government’s inhumane policies.”
- Minneapolis City Council Member Aisha Chughtai mentioned, “[T]he city must be prepared to act as a final bastion for vulnerable communities.”
- Former Minneapolis City Council Member Jeremiah Ellison noted, “[I]t’s evident that simply being a sanctuary city isn’t sufficient to shield our neighbors.”
- Saint Paul City Council Vice President Hwa Jeong Kim affirmed, “Saint Paul adheres to its separation ordinance, which clarifies that local law enforcement’s duties are restricted to local laws, not federal immigration regulations. The SPPD does not and will not collaborate with ICE.”
- Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara remarked, “Engagement in immigration enforcement would undermine our commitment to bias-free, community-oriented policing.”
