Local Leaders Grapple with Aggressive Federal Tactics

Trump administration's immigration policies and use of federal forces strain relationships between cities and Washington

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Local leaders across the U.S., from both major political parties, are describing an increasingly hostile relationship with the federal government under the Trump administration. The deployment of federal agents and National Guard troops to cities like Minneapolis over the objections of local officials has hardened opposition to excessive federal power. Mayors and governors are now preparing for potential federal interference in areas like elections and public services, a dynamic they say is unprecedented.

Why it matters

The tensions between local and federal authorities highlight a shift in the traditional Republican stance of empowering state and local governments. The Trump administration's willingness to use federal force, often along partisan lines, has upended long-held views about the appropriate balance of power between Washington and local communities.

The details

In Denver, Mayor Mike Johnston said the city now prepares for the impact of federal activity on everything from access to schools and hospitals to interference with elections. Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer, a Republican, said he's never seen federal law enforcement "come to the cities" without cooperation from local police. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, said the administration's actions have "repeatedly violated the Constitution." Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey described the continued federal presence in his city as an "invasion" and "occupation."

  • In January 2026, federal agents killed two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis.
  • Last year, President Trump deployed National Guard troops to some U.S. cities over the objection of local leaders.

The players

Mike Johnston

The Democratic mayor of Denver who said the city now prepares for potential federal interference.

Jerry Dyer

The Republican mayor of Fresno, California, and a former police chief who said he's never seen federal law enforcement come to cities without local cooperation.

Andy Beshear

The Democratic governor of Kentucky who said the Trump administration has "repeatedly violated the Constitution" in its dealings with states.

Jacob Frey

The mayor of Minneapolis who described the continued federal presence in his city as an "invasion" and "occupation."

Donald Trump

The president who has expressed frustration at resistance from Democratic mayors and governors and has articulated a muscular federal approach.

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What they’re saying

“We used to prepare for natural disasters. Now we prepare for our own federal government.”

— Mike Johnston, Mayor of Denver (Denver Post)

“This is unprecedented. I've never seen federal law enforcement come to the cities, whether it's National Guard or ICE, and police cities without a level of cooperation from local police.”

— Jerry Dyer, Mayor of Fresno, California (Fresno Bee)

“There's no question that the Trump administration has repeatedly violated the Constitution and how it deals with states.”

— Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky (Louisville Courier Journal)

“We are on the front lines of a very important battle.”

— Jacob Frey, Mayor of Minneapolis (Star Tribune)

“With the introduction of ICE, our cities are no longer safe.”

— Elizabeth Kautz, Mayor of Burnsville, Minnesota (Star Tribune)

What’s next

The judge in the Minneapolis case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the federal agents to remain in the city.

The takeaway

The escalating tensions between local leaders and the federal government under the Trump administration have created an unprecedented dynamic, with cities and states now preparing for potential federal interference in their operations and services. This power struggle highlights the need for a clearer delineation of federal, state, and local authority, as well as a restoration of trust and cooperation between all levels of government.